Step 1: Johnson on pole for finale

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — Jimmie Johnson’s run for his fourth straight Cup title starts from the pole.

Johnson turned a lap of 173.919 mph on Friday to top qualifying at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a big boost for the Hendrick Motorsports star as he tries to become the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive championships.

“We did an awesome job today, and I feel that the start will go smoothly,” Johnson said.

The start could be tricky for the unflappable Johnson. Scott Speed qualified second and Marcos Ambrose third, two drivers who haven’t spent very much time on the track racing up front and around Johnson.

Johnson crashed on the third lap at Texas two races ago when he was hit by Sam Hornish — another non-Chase contender. The wreck spoiled Johnson’s shot at possibly clinching his unprecedented fourth straight championship last week.

Speed and Ambrose don’t want to be the drivers who take out Johnson and forever are tagged as the ones who spoiled history.

“Certainly you don’t want to be the guy that takes out the 48,” Speed said. “That doesn’t look good on your resume. You give him room, you race him as hard as you can.”

Johnson said the Texas wreck has made him somewhat apprehensive that a similar scare could happen again. He did not return to the track in that race until lap 115 in a rebuilt car. If he’s knocked out early in Sunday’s 400-mile event, his title hopes could be on the ropes and Mark Martin could have some new life as he shoots for his first championship.

“I typically wouldn’t be [worried], but with living through the Texas experience, I’m not taking anything for granted,” Johnson said. “I’m happy to hear that both Marcos and Scott recognize what’s going on. Those guys have both raced for championships.”