Pole Position Sets the Stage for Sunday’s 400‑Mile Battle
Ryan Blaney claimed the pole for the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway, posting a blistering lap of 30.815 seconds that edged out Joey Logano, who will share the front row in second place. Kyle Larson followed in third after a 30.902‑second effort, rounding out a competitive top three.
The qualifying session featured a two‑round format that saw the fastest 10 drivers from the opening round return for a final run to lock in their starting spots. With 38 drivers on the grid, the process ensured a full field of competitors ready to battle on the 1.5‑mile, high‑banked track.
EchoPark Speedway in Georgia will host the race on Sunday night, bringing the NASCAR Cup Series back to Atlanta’s historic venue under the lights. The event promises a mix of veteran talent and rising stars, with drivers such as Austin Dillon, Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, Brad Keselowski, Erik Jones, Shane van Gisbergen, Chris Buescher, Carson Hocevar, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Ty Dillon, Josh Berry, Michael McDowell, Ryan Preece, Chase Briscoe, Todd Gilliland, Bubba Wallace, Ty Gibbs, John H. Nemechek, Connor Zilisch, William Byron, AJ Allmendinger, Denny Hamlin, Riley Herbst, Austin Hill, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, Cole Custer, Zane Smith, Cody Ware, Noah Gragson, BJ McLeod and Chad Finchum all eyeing a spot in the top ten.
Fans can expect a tightly contested race, as the starting lineup reflects a deep field of talent and the unpredictable nature of short‑track racing. With the stage set, attention now turns to how strategy, pit stops and late‑race cautions will shape the final results.