Defending NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick will start the first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup from pole after rain cancelled qualifying at Chicagoland Speedway.

Starting positions were set from the times recorded in the only practice session held so far this weekend with Joey Logano to share the front row.

Heavy storms and even a tornado warning forced officials to make the call to cancel the qualifying runs with a number of Chase contenders to start deep in the field.

As much as starting off the point is important, so is pit road selection

“Obviously, having the first pit stall and having good track position to start is important,” Harvick said.

Teams knew rain was on the way and Logano said he felt like practice was actually in effect qualifying.

“We looked at the forecast and knew there was a good chance of rain,” Logano said. “Anytime that happens, you focus in on qualifying trim a little more.”

Penske team-mate Brad Keselowski will start third followed by Martin Truex Jr. followed by non-Chaser Austin Dillon and then Ryan Newman.

Richmond winner Matt Kenseth will lineup 12th, while other Chase drivers include Jamie McMurray (13th), Carl Edwards (14th), Paul Menard (16th), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (19th), Clint Bowyer (26th) and Denny Hamlin (29th).

Due to the rainout, the Wood Brothers Racing Ford of Ryan Blaney will not qualify for the race.

STARTING LINE-UP: Myafibrisk.com 400 – Chicagoland Speedway

For more of the latest NASCAR news and analysis, visit Speedcafe US