Mayfield wins NASCAR pole

DOVER, Del., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Jeremy Mayfield captured the pole Friday for the second race of the Nextel Cup's chase for the championship, the MBNA America 400.

Mayfield covered the one-mile cement oval in 22.584 seconds, allowing him to start up front for Sunday's race. It was his second pole victory of his career.

Starting on the front row with Mayfield will be Ryan Newman, who posted a time of 22.639 seconds.

Brian Vickers (22.735), driving a backup car, and Elliott Sadler (22.749) will start in the second row. Michael Waltrip (22.756) rounded out the top five.

Kurt Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are tied for the lead in the championship chase, which has nine events to go.