Rain clouds gathered over Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, forcing NASCAR to call off the scheduled qualifying session for the O’Reilly Series race. With no timed runs to determine the order, officials turned to the rulebook to set the starting lineup.
Grid set by rulebook
According to the series’ regulations, Justin Allgaier will lead the field from the pole position, followed by Corey Day in second and Sam Mayer in third. The arrangement reflects the points standings and past performance metrics used by NASCAR when qualifying cannot be completed.
The race will feature a full complement of 38 drivers, a grid that reads like a who’s who of the sport’s up‑and‑coming talent and veteran competitors alike.
A crowded field
Among the names lining up are Ross Chastain, Sheldon Creed and Sammy Smith, all of whom have drawn attention for their recent performances. Also on the roster are Brandon Jones, Connor Zilisch and Austin Hill, drivers who have been regulars in the series this season.
The event is part of the NASCAR O’Reilly Series, a regional championship that serves as a stepping stone for drivers eyeing the Cup and Xfinity levels. It takes place at the historic 1.5‑mile oval of Charlotte Motor Speedway, a venue known for its high‑speed banking and dramatic finishes.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the weather‑induced lineup influences strategy, especially with tire wear and fuel management becoming critical factors in the closing laps.