A steady downpour drenched the North Wilkesboro track on Saturday, forcing NASCAR officials to cancel the scheduled qualifying session. With the clock running out on the weekend’s only chance for a dry run, series leaders turned to a performance metric that combines practice speeds, past race results and other factors to determine the starting grid for Sunday’s Window World 450.
Metric‑Based Grid Emerges
Under the new system, Ryan Blaney earned the pole position, securing the front spot ahead of Ty Gibbs, who will share the first row with him. The metric also placed Christopher Bell, Carson Hocevar and Tyler Reddick in the top five, setting the stage for a competitive opening lap.
Despite the shuffled lineup, several playoff contenders will have to fight their way forward from deeper in the field. Kyle Larson, a championship favorite, is slated to start 27th, while Bubba Wallace will line up 26th. Chase Briscoe and AJ Allmendinger round out the back of the top ten, each hoping to capitalize on the unpredictable conditions.
Playoff Contenders Slip Down the Order
The revised starting positions create a steep climb for drivers like Larson and Wallace, who must navigate traffic and manage tire wear to stay in contention. Their ability to gain positions quickly will be crucial, especially as the race serves as the semifinal round of NASCAR’s In‑Season Challenge, adding extra pressure to each overtaking maneuver.
Practice Still On the Agenda
NASCAR has announced a practice session before the Sunday race, allowing teams to fine‑tune setups and test strategies under the same wet conditions that shaped the grid. The practice will be closely watched, as the data collected could influence final race tactics and potentially reshape the competitive landscape once the green flag drops.