NASCAR qualifying often sets the tone for the weekend’s main event, and this time at Talladega Superspeedway was no exception. The anticipation was sky-high as drivers took to the track, crucially aiming for the best starting spots in Sunday’s Cup Series race. This article covers everything you need to know about the latest qualifying session: the pole winner, complete starting lineup, and what to expect on race day.

Zane Smith Claims His First Cup Series Pole

The spotlight in this week’s NASCAR qualifying belonged to Zane Smith. He delivered a standout performance, turning a lap at 182.174 mph to capture the first pole position of his NASCAR Cup Series career. Smith’s accomplishment marks the third consecutive pole at Talladega for his team, Front Row Motorsports. As Smith explained, teamwork and recent preparations played key roles in their impressive speed and consistency.

You can dive deeper into how Zane Smith clinched the pole and what it means for his team in the official NASCAR recap. His front-row start places him next to two-time series champion Kyle Busch, making for an exciting opening lap.

Full Starting Lineup for the Talladega Cup Series Race

NASCAR qualifying determined the entire grid, offering insights into which teams and drivers to watch as the race unfolds. William Byron was the best of the Hendrick Motorsports drivers in qualifying and secured the 16th spot. Teammates Alex Bowman, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott are set to roll off from 18th, 25th, and 30th respectively.

For a detailed breakdown of the entire starting lineup, check out Hendrick Motorsports' official qualifying coverage. Notably, seven Fords, two Chevrolets, and one Toyota advanced to the 10-car final round, highlighting the diversity and competitiveness among manufacturers this season.

The pole position went to Zane Smith, followed by Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, and Ryan Preece, rounding out the front rows. Tyler Reddick, the defending race winner, will have to make up ground from his 26th starting spot.

Teams and Drivers to Watch on Race Day

Talladega Superspeedway remains one of the most unpredictable venues in NASCAR. With the field set by an intense qualifying session, strategy will be crucial, especially as teams prepare for pack racing that often leads to three- and four-wide battles.

Hendrick Motorsports boasts an impressive track record at Talladega. They lead the series in wins, pole positions, top fives, top tens, and laps led at the venue. William Byron’s recent Daytona 500 victory and Chase Elliott’s two prior wins at Talladega reinforce why both remain contenders, regardless of starting position.

What’s Next After Qualifying?

Sunday’s Cup Series race begins at 3 p.m. ET, airing on FOX. With such a competitive qualifying session, fans can expect excitement from start to finish, packed with daring moves and unexpected twists. The skills displayed during NASCAR qualifying will be tested in the heat of pack racing, making this one of the must-watch events on the schedule.

Stay tuned for live updates, behind-the-scenes coverage, and in-depth analysis as the race unfolds. Missed any details from qualifying or want to see how each driver performed? Visit the key qualifying results and insights for everything you need to know.