Jimmie Johnson moved a step closer to a third consecutive Sprint Cup title by winning the pole Friday at Phoenix International Speedway.

Johnson, the defending race winner, turned a lap of 134.725 mph in his Chevrolet to earn the top starting spot Sunday. If he gains 57 more points than Carl Edwards, Johnson would only need to start the season finale to become the first driver since Cale Yarborough (1976-78) to win three straight titles.

Edwards, who had the fastest car in Friday’s final practice session, qualified 15th and said the engine in his Ford bogged down on the backstretch during his lap. Winner of the last two races, he trails Johnson by 106 points with two events to go.

Jamie McMurray qualified second and was followed by Kurt Busch.