DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Points leader Tony Stewart was
awarded the pole for Saturday night's race at Daytona International
Speedway, getting the top spot when rain washed out Sprint Cup
qualifying.
      It was Stewart's third pole - all in rainouts - in the last five
races. He also started up front at Pocono last month and New
Hampshire last week.
      Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards rounded
out the first three rows.
      Max Papis and Mike Wallace were sent home, unable to attempt to
get into the 43-car field. Wallace was scheduled to drive the No.
64 car, the one some believed recently reinstated driver Jeremy
Mayfield would try to get into to make his return from a drug
suspension.
      Car owner Larry Gunselman, citing sponsorship concerns, declined
to offer Mayfield a ride.
     
      (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)