BROOKLYN – Two names that are very familiar to Michigan residents will sit on the front row of the Pure Michigan 400 this afternoon at Michigan International Speedway.

Greg Biffle in the Pure Michigan 400 Ford grabbed Friday’s pole. He will be joined on the front row by Matt Kenseth in the Kroger Ford.

Biffle and Kenseth are teammates at Roush Racing, which is based in Livonia.

It’s Biffle’s first pole since 2008 at Dover. It’s first first Michigan pole. His previous best start was second in August of 2007.

Four the top 10 drivers in the current Sprint Cup standings are also starting inside the top 10 of today’s race. Three other drives, including pole sitter Biffle are inside the top 15 and are still alive for one of the “playoff” spots.

Denny Hamlin will start fourth and Brad Keselowski will start sixth.

Former University of Michigan standout and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard will serve as the grand marshal. Also on hand is Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Also on hand are U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, along with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Michigan Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson.