HOMESTEAD, Fla.—Carl Edwards got the jump on Jimmie Johnson in Friday’s qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Edwards, facing a daunting 141-point deficit heading into Sunday’s Ford 400, qualified fourth, trailing only first-time pole winner David Reutimann, rookie Scott Speed and Roush Fenway Racing teammate Matt Kenseth. Johnson, who needs only to finish 36th or better on Sunday to wrap up his third straight Cup title, will start a disappointing 30th.

It’s only the seventh time in 36 races this season that Johnson has started 20th or...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.