Gibbs Takes Pole at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs, the 23‑year‑old driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, secured his third career pole position and his first at Sonoma Raceway, posting a blistering lap of 1:14.830. The performance surprised even Gibbs, who said he did not expect to qualify at the top of the grid on his first attempt at the road course.
Behind him, Carson Hocevar claimed second spot with a lap of 1:14.854, edging out Shane van Gisbergen, who had been the early favorite but fell to sixth after a late slip. Kyle Larson, a two‑time winner at Sonoma, qualified third, while Michael McDowell and Ross Chastain rounded out the top five.
Gibbs, currently fifth in the Cup Series standings, added the Sonoma pole to a résumé that includes a victory at Bristol and six top‑five finishes this season. He said the track has become one of his favorites, citing its unique blend of elevation and technical corners as a reason for his growing appreciation.
Veteran Brad Keselowski, a former champion, will start 35th after a challenging qualifying session. He noted that the recent resurfacing has made the layout considerably tougher, especially on tire management and braking zones.
The upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 promises a competitive field, with several drivers eyeing a breakout performance on the 1.99‑mile circuit. Fans can expect a mix of experience and youthful aggression as the race unfolds.