Richard Childress Racing rookie Dillon is the first man to use #3 in the Cup series since the death of Dale Earnhardt 13 years ago.

Having been fastest in January’s official test at Daytona and among the frontrunners in practice all weekend, reigning Nationwide Series champion Dillon was among the pole favourites from the outset.

His 45.914-second, 196.019 mph lap was sufficient to depose Greg Biffle’s Roush Fenway Ford from provisional pole.

Martin Truex Jr came close to denying Dillon, but fell 0.039s short as he secured second place on his debut with Furniture Row.

Dillon and Truex’s starting positions for next Sunday’s race are now set, while the rest of the field will be decided by Thursday night’s Duel qualifying races.

Biffle was pushed back to third, ahead of team-mate Carl Edwards and the second Childress car of Ryan Newman.

First man out Dale Earnhardt Jr held on to provisional pole for most of the afternoon, unbeaten until Biffle – 33rd in the qualifying line – came out. The Hendrick driver eventually fell to seventh.

Reigning champion and 2013 Daytona 500 winner Jimmie Johnson was 14th, with Sprint Unlimited victor Denny Hamlin 22nd.

Last year’s Daytona polesitter Danica Patrick was only 25th this time and will have to start at the back following an engine change after Saturday practice.

Official Results