Daytona’s Qualifying Drama
Ross Chastain claimed pole position at the Daytona International Speedway NASCAR Cup race, posting a blistering lap of 48.809 seconds that edged out Chris Buescher by a mere 0.051 seconds and secured the front row for the Coke Zero Sugar 400.
The victory marks Chastain’s third pole this season, having previously taken top spots at Nashville and Watkins Glen. He praised Trackhouse Racing for ironing out the engine problems that had hampered his early campaign, highlighting the team’s progress.
Behind the leaders, Austin Hill secured third spot in what represents his strongest qualifying effort to date, while Ryan Preece will start fourth, eyeing a Chase breakthrough, and Riley Herbst rounded out the top five, clinching the final transfer spot.
The top ten also features a strong showing from Trackhouse Racing, with three of its cars in the mix, though Gray Gaulding was unable to make the grid after a rear‑diffuser issue forced him to miss qualifying.
The upcoming race promises a crowded field of Chase contenders and seasoned veterans, with drivers such as Corey Heim, Ty Gibbs and Daniel Dye poised to make an impact as the season’s final stretch unfolds.