HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Jimmie Johnson’s run for his fourth straight Cup title starts from the pole.

Johnson turned a lap of 173.919 mph on Friday to top qualifying at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a big boost for the Hendrick Motorsports star as he tries to become the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive championships.

“We did an awesome job today, and I feel that the start will go smoothly,” Johnson said.

The start could be tricky for the unflappable Johnson. Scott Speed qualified second and Marcos Ambrose third, two drivers who haven’t spent very much time on the track racing up front and around Johnson.

Johnson crashed on the third lap at Texas two races ago when he was hit by Sam Hornish — another non-Chase contender. The wreck spoiled Johnson’s shot at possibly clinching his unprecedented fourth straight championship last week.

Speed and Ambrose don’t want to be the drivers who take out Johnson and forever are tagged as the ones who spoiled history.