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Blaney Grabs Richmond Pole as Cook Out 400 Grid Is Set

Friday’s pole with the full starting lineup will shape tonight’s race strategy by raising the value of tire management and track position due to a new Goodyear left-side compound.

Oct 27, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) races NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) during the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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Crews work to mend NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney’s (12) car Sunday, July 26, 2026, during the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Aug 9, 2026; Newton, Iowa, USA; Wood Brothers Racing driver Josh Berry (21) is introduced before the start of the IOWA CORN 350 POWERED BY ETHANOL at Iowa Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Ryan Blaney won the Busch Light Pole Award in Friday’s single‑car, two‑lap qualifying with a lap of 22.225 seconds at 121.485 mph to start first in the Cook Out 400.
  • Qualifying established the full 37‑car starting lineup for Saturday’s race under the lights at Richmond Raceway, with Chase Briscoe second and Josh Berry third on the grid.
  • The result matters for the closing regular season because Austin Cindric held a 29‑point lead over Ryan Preece for the final Chase spot entering the Richmond weekend.
  • Teams stressed that the weekend was more strategic than usual after Goodyear introduced a new left‑side tire compound, which increases the importance of Friday practice, qualifying and pit‑stop timing on the .75‑mile short track.
  • Key storylines to watch tonight include Blaney’s sustained one‑lap speed, Austin Dillon’s bid for a third straight Richmond win from 16th, Ty Gibbs’s momentum after last week’s victory, and Josh Berry’s run while he searches for a ride next season.