RICHMOND, Va. — Jeff Gordon will try to race his way into NASCAR’s playoffs from the pole position.

The four-time series champion turned a track-record qualifying lap of 130.599 mph at Richmond International Raceway on Friday night to win his 73rd career pole position, and his first this season.

“I can breathe now,” Gordon joked after seeing the time hold up.

His lap pushed Kurt Busch to the outside of the front row, meaning the tension win be palpable once the green flag drops Saturday night for the 400-lap race around the 0.75-mile, D-shaped oval.

Busch is 10th in points, and the top 10 after Saturday night’s race earn automatic berths in the 10-race playoffs to finish the season. Gordon is 11th, six points behind, and needs to pass Busch or one of the other drivers now in the top 10 to assure himself a berth in the Chase for the championship.

In all, 10 drivers are fighting for the last five spots.

“There’s no doubt we all recognize what’s on the line here,” Gordon said.

The pole extended to 21 Gordon’s NASCAR-record string of consecutive seasons with a pole position, breaking a tie with David Pearson, and gave him the No. 1 pit stall on the front stretch at RIR.

“I didn’t think it was going to come this year. I’ll be honest,” Gordon said of the top starting spot. “Qualifying has not been very good for me and for our team this year. Very proud of this one. Boy, it comes at a great time. ... We know how important that number one pit stall is and starting up front.”