In a qualifying session marked by fierce competition, Kyle Busch emerged as the pole sitter, setting a blazing average lap speed of 162.191 mph. Despite challenges from notable contenders like Ryan Blaney, who topped the practice session, Busch’s performance secured him the top starting position.
This achievement marked his first pole of the season and the 34th of his career, offering a boost to his No. 8 Richard Childress Racing team, which had been seeking momentum after a mixed start to the season.
Reflecting on his team’s recent struggles with speed, Busch expressed satisfaction with their progress and dedication to improvement. With only one top-five finish so far in the season, the pole position at Talladega represented a significant turnaround.
Busch credited his team’s efforts, acknowledging their commitment to analyzing performance and addressing challenges. This qualifying success provided a morale boost, signaling a positive trend for the team as they continued to strive for better results.
Behind Busch, William Byron secured the third position, showcasing strong performance with an average lap speed of 161.486 mph. Last week’s race winner, Tyler Reddick, followed closely in fourth place, while Noah Gragson rounded out the top five.
The top 10 starting lineup featured prominent names like Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Michael McDowell, Alex Bowman, and A.J. Allmendinger, setting the stage for an exciting race ahead.
In the initial qualifying rounds, Byron led Group A with an impressive average lap speed of 162.864 mph, securing his spot in the final round. Joining him were Hamlin, Allmendinger, Gragson, and Busch, while notable drivers like Bubba Wallace and Chris Buescher failed to advance.
In Group B, Blaney continued his strong showing from practice, topping the group with a remarkable average lap speed of 163.125 mph. Reddick, McDowell, Bowman, and Briscoe also advanced, with drivers like Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr. falling short.
The qualifying session saw some setbacks, including Christopher Bell’s spin during his attempt, necessitating repairs to his No. 20 Toyota. Additionally, Zane Smith and Kaz Grala missed out on qualifying due to accidents in practice, requiring them to switch to backup cars. Despite these challenges, the stage was set for an intense race at Talladega, with drivers poised to showcase their skills and strategies on the track.
