HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) – Mark Martin claimed the top spot at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday night, making him the second-oldest pole winner in NASCAR Cup history.

The 50-year-old Martin turned a lap of 187.045 mph for Sunday’s Kobalt Tools 500, earning his 42nd career pole but first since May 5, 2001, at Richmond.

Only Harry Gant, who was 54 when he claimed the pole in August 1994 at Bristol, was older than Martin.

“I feel like a rookie,” Martin said. “I really, really do.”

With everyone renewing their complaints about a lack of tire grip on the high-banked, 1.54-mile oval, Martin managed to hold things together for a nearly perfect run that took less than 30 seconds.

After two seasons as a part-time driver, Martin returned to a full-season ride with the powerful Hendrick Motorsports team this season, looking to claim the first Cup championship of a long, brilliant career.

Kurt Busch will start from the outside of the front row after a lap of 186.365. He knew he was racing for the second spot after Martin’s speed went up.

The rest of the top 10 was Jamie McMurray, Juan Pablo Montoya, Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Joe Nemechek, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick.

Points leader Jeff Gordon will start 16th.

Ryan Newman missed out in a bid for his eighth career pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway, remaining tied with Buddy Baker for the most in track history. Newman qualified 12th in his Stewart Haas Racing Chevrolet, just behind his team owner, Tony Stewart.

Forty-seven drivers took part in qualifying. Todd Bodine, Scott Riggs, Jeremy Mayfield and Geoff Bodine failed to make the 43-car field.