Shane van Gisbergen tops New Hampshire qualifying
The NASCAR Cup Series will stage its qualifying session for the New Hampshire Dollar Tree 301 on August 22, setting the stage for a crucial playoff‑deciding race. The event, scheduled for 11:35 a.m. Eastern Time, follows a morning practice at 10:30 a.m. ET, giving teams a narrow window to fine‑tune setups on the 1.058‑mile flat oval in Loudon.
Shane van Gisbergen currently sits at the top of the Chase cutline, holding a 50‑point advantage over Ryan Preece with just two regular‑season races remaining. The tight points margin has amplified the importance of every position earned on Saturday morning.
A Flat Track That Tests Drivers
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s unique layout — a short, flat circuit that rewards aerodynamic balance and precise line selection — has historically produced tightly contested battles. Drivers must navigate a surface that offers little banking, making car handling and tire management pivotal.
Among the notable entries, Ross Chastain will pilot the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, while Austin Dillon carries the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. Both teams are part of a competitive field that includes the full roster of charter organizations such as Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing.
Austin Cindric, representing Team Penske in the No. 2 Ford, and Austin Dillon’s teammate in the No. 3 Chevrolet, will join a lineup that also features Kyle Larson, Brad Keselowski and Daniel Suarez, each backed by their respective sponsors and technical partners.
The qualifying order will be determined by a combination of practice speeds and previous performance, with the top 13 drivers in the standings focusing on maximizing points at both New Hampshire and the upcoming Daytona race. This dual‑track strategy underscores the strategic stakes for playoff hopefuls.
Fans can watch the action live on the network’s sports feed, with coverage beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET for practice and continuing through the 11:35 a.m. ET qualifying run. The broadcast will highlight the strategic maneuvers that could reshape the playoff picture.