Saturday’s qualifying for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the Cup Series at Pocono Raceway is set for this weekend, with the order of who takes to the track first being decided by a metric score that reflects each driver’s recent performance.
Metric Scoring Takes Center Stage
The metric combines a driver’s finishes, stage points and other factors into a single number that the series uses to rank participants. This season the formula has proven decisive in shaping the starting grid, especially at tracks where weather can play a role.
Forecasts for Saturday call for dry conditions, meaning the metric‑based order is unlikely to be altered by rain or temperature swings that have historically reshaped qualifying lineups.
In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Patrick Emerling sits atop the provisional lineup with a score of 38.600, followed closely by Natalie Decker at 36.400 and Carson Ware in third at 36.100.
The Cup Series order looks similarly competitive, with Casey Mears leading the pack at 41.600, ahead of Daniel Dye (41.000) and Connor Zilisch (36.400). Austin Dillon rounds out the top four with a 33.600 score.
These rankings set the stage for the on‑track battles that will follow, as drivers aim to translate their qualifying positions into stronger race finishes. The final grid will be confirmed once all metric calculations are locked in later on Saturday.