Denny Hamlin will lead the field for the upcoming eero 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway, having edged out Kyle Larson by a margin of just 0.001 seconds to claim pole position. The result sets the stage for a tightly contested event scheduled for July 5, where 267 laps will cover 400.5 miles and be divided into three distinct stages.
Qualifying Highlights and Team Performance
RFK Racing managed to place two of its entries within the top five, while Hendrick Motorsports secured three spots in the top ten, underscoring the competitive spread among the sport’s powerhouse organizations. The full starting lineup reflects a blend of veteran skill and emerging talent, with several drivers yet to complete a qualifying lap.
Michael McDowell and Cody Ware were among those who failed to post a time in qualifying and will therefore start at the rear of the grid, a setback that could influence their early race strategy.
Broadcast and Streaming Coverage
The race will be televised nationally on TNT and will also be available to stream on HBO Max, where viewers can access a full broadcast feed along with in‑car camera perspectives for each driver. Additional audio coverage will be provided through NASCAR.com and SiriusXM on channel 90.
Race Structure and Timing
Scheduled to start with the green flag at approximately 5:15 p.m. Central Time, the event will run for 267 laps, translating to a total distance of 400.5 miles. The competition will be segmented into three stages, each offering playoff points that can shift the momentum of the championship battle.
With a deep field that includes drivers such as Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski, Ty Gibbs, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace, Chase Elliott, William Byron, AJ Allmendinger, Alex Bowman, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Carson Hocevar, Zane Smith, John Hunter Nemechek, Riley Herbst, Ross Chastain, Ryan Preece, Connor Zilisch, Erik Jones, Austin Cindric, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Austin Dillon, Daniel Suarez, Ty Dillon, Corey Heim, Todd Gilliland, Shane van Gisbergen, Joey Logano, Noah Gragson, Cole Custer, Josh Berry, Austin Hill and JJ Yeley, the stage is set for a dynamic contest that will test both speed and strategy.