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Lightning Cancels Daytona Xfinity Qualifying as Metric Puts Zilisch on Pole

NASCAR’s rulebook formula sets the lineup when time trials are interrupted to keep the event schedule intact.

Aug 16, 2025; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Aug 16, 2025; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) leads NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Ryan Blaney

Overview

  • Qualifying was halted after 15 of 38 cars ran as repeated lightning resets led officials to call off the session to avoid delaying Cup qualifying.
  • Connor Zilisch is listed to start first and, while recovering from a broken collarbone, said he intends to swap out for Parker Kligerman at the first caution.
  • Sam Mayer will start second, followed by Sammy Smith in third, Austin Hill in fourth, and Justin Allgaier in fifth per the performance metric.
  • Two earlier withdrawals left 38 starters, so no teams are sent home despite the canceled qualifying attempt.
  • The Wawa 250 is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 pm ET on The CW, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.