Ross Chastain has triumphantly secured pole position for the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway, showcasing a remarkable performance in the qualifying rounds. This achievement places him and his Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet in an advantageous starting spot for the highly anticipated event. Chris Buescher, piloting the RFK Racing Ford, will begin alongside Chastain on the front row, promising an exciting start to the race.
Chastain Leads the Pack at Daytona Qualifying
In a thrilling qualifying session at Daytona International Speedway on August 29, 2026, Ross Chastain, driving the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, blazed through the track with a blistering lap time of 48.809 seconds (184.396 mph), earning him the coveted pole position. This marks his third career pole, following previous successes at Nashville in 2023 and Watkins Glen in 2024. Chastain expressed surprise and pride, crediting his team, Trackhouse and ECR, for their swift recovery from recent engine issues and their efficient preparation of the car.
Sharing the front row with Chastain will be Chris Buescher in the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford, who was a mere 0.051 seconds behind. The second row will feature Austin Hill, achieving his best career qualifying result in third, and Ryan Preece, who secured the fourth spot as he vies for a place in the Chase. Riley Herbst rounded out the top five. Notably, three cars from Trackhouse Racing — Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen (starting sixth), and Connor Zilisch (starting seventh) — will all begin within the top ten, highlighting the team's strong performance.
The qualifying saw 41 entrants vying for 40 spots on the grid. Among the open teams, Casey Mears (No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet), Daniel Dye (No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet), Joey Gase (No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet), and Corey Heim (No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota) successfully made the cut. Joey Gase narrowly secured his spot by just 0.125 seconds, while Corey Heim was the highest-qualifying open driver, starting 11th. Unfortunately, Gray Gaulding in the No. 66 'Garage 66' Ford failed to qualify after experiencing a significant bottoming-out incident in Turns 1 and 2, which appeared to be related to an unsecured rear diffuser. This was a setback for Gaulding, who was attempting his first Cup start in three years. Despite a brief caution during Ty Gibbs’s first run, officials granted him a second attempt, where he improved to 14th.
The second round of qualifying saw intensified competition, with most cars improving their lap times. Joey Logano initially led with a 49.074s, quickly surpassed by Austin Cindric at 49.071s. Shane van Gisbergen then set a new benchmark at 49.019s. However, Chris Buescher swiftly took the lead with a 48.859s, only to be outdone by Chastain's winning time of 48.808s. The session concluded without any major incidents, setting the stage for an exciting race.
The thrilling qualifying session at Daytona underscores the unpredictable and competitive nature of NASCAR racing. The ability of Ross Chastain and his team to overcome recent challenges and secure pole position speaks volumes about their resilience and strategic acumen. It serves as a powerful reminder that in motorsports, meticulous preparation and unwavering determination are paramount. Furthermore, the close margins in qualifying, with drivers battling for mere hundredths of a second, highlight the razor-thin line between success and disappointment, making every moment on the track crucial. This level of competition not only excites fans but also pushes teams and drivers to constantly innovate and refine their performance. The upcoming race will undoubtedly be a testament to skill, strategy, and sheer will.