DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Points leader Tony Stewart was awarded the pole for Saturday night's race at Daytona International Speedway, getting the top spot when rain washed out Sprint Cup qualifying.

It was Stewart's third pole -- all in rainouts -- in the last five races. He also started up front at Pocono last month and New Hampshire last week.

Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards rounded out the first three rows.

Max Papis and Mike Wallace were sent home, unable to attempt to get into the 43-car field. Wallace was scheduled to drive the No. 64 car, the one some believed recently reinstated driver Jeremy Mayfield would try to get into to make his return from a drug suspension.

Car owner Larry Gunselman, citing sponsorship concerns, declined to offer Mayfield a ride.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)