Qualifying Highlights
The opening session of qualifying at EchoPark Speedway delivered a surprise twist as Sam Mayer turned the fastest lap of the day, clocking a 31.994‑second run that secured the pole for the NASCAR O’Reilly Series event scheduled for July 11, 2026.
Close behind, Carson Kvapil posted a 31.978‑second effort that placed him second on the grid, while a handful of rising stars — Jesse Love, William Sawalich, Sammy Smith, Sheldon Creed, Brent Crews, Rajah Caruth, Taylor Gray and Patrick Staropoli — rounded out the top ten that advanced to the final round.
The knockout format required drivers to navigate two distinct rounds. After the first round, the ten fastest cars earned a spot in the second session, where the battle for the pole intensified. Ultimately, Mayer’s early benchmark held up, shaping the starting order for the upcoming race.
With 38 drivers entered for the weekend’s action, the series promised a full field of competition, and the qualifying drama underscored the depth of talent slated to compete on the 2026 schedule.
EchoPark Speedway, located in the heart of Atlanta, will host the race, marking a key stop on the series’ calendar. The venue’s unique layout continues to challenge drivers, making the qualifying results a crucial indicator of race‑day strategy.