Weather woes threaten Nashville event
Severe thunderstorms rolled through Nashville on Saturday, prompting officials to halt the Cup Series race until the weather clears and conditions become safe for competition.
With qualifying washed out, series officials announced that the starting grid would be established through a combination of driver metrics and performance data rather than on‑track lap times.
Denny Hamlin will lead the field from pole position, sharing the front row with championship contender Tyler Reddick, while Daniel Suarez, fresh from his Coca‑Cola 600 victory, will start third.
Behind them, Christopher Bell takes fourth, Kyle Larson fifth, and the lineup continues with Ty Gibbs, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Joey Logano and Shane van Gisbergen rounding out positions six through ten.
Further back, former Nashville winners Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain are slated to start 29th and 35th respectively, a placement that could set the stage for an exciting overtaking battle.
Pre‑race ceremonies were conducted despite the rain and gusty winds, and drivers have been instructed to remain near their cars while the weather clears.
Earlier in the weekend, Layne Riggs claimed victory in the Truck Series race by overtaking Rajah Caruth on the final lap, and Justin Allgaier secured the O'Reilly Auto Parts victory by edging out Brent Crews.