Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
5h ago

Lightning Scrubs Daytona Qualifying as Blaney Takes Pole for Playoff-Deciding Finale

Bowman gains a front-row start as he defends the final provisional playoff berth.

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
Image
Image

Overview

  • NASCAR canceled Cup and Xfinity qualifying because of lightning, so both starting orders were set by the performance metric.
  • Ryan Blaney starts on pole with Alex Bowman second; Tyler Reddick rolls off 27th in Saturday night’s regular-season finale.
  • Two playoff spots remain open, and any driver below the cut line must win at Daytona to advance.
  • Reporting differs on the points picture: AP lists Reddick 29 points ahead of Bowman, while Reuters has Bowman 60 points clear of the next chaser, but a new winner from below the cut would knock out one of them.
  • In Xfinity, Connor Zilisch is slated to start first and said he plans to hand the car to relief driver Parker Kligerman at the first caution.