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2d ago

Ryan Blaney Snatches Watkins Glen Pole in Photo Finish

Ryan Blaney’s 122.568 mph qualifying lap edged Shane van Gisbergen by 0.033 seconds to claim the Busch Light Pole Award, marking Team Penske’s 150th Cup Series pole

Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, and Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford, lead the field on a pace lap prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2025, in Watkins Glen, New York.
Chris Buescher (17) leads the field during the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Sept. 15, 2024.
Image
Aug 9, 2025; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) stands with the Busch Light Pole Award after winning the pole for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Blaney turned a 71.960-second lap around the 2.45-mile road course at Watkins Glen International to secure pole for Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen
  • He outpaced road-course ace Shane van Gisbergen by just 0.033 seconds, ending van Gisbergen’s string of front-row starts this season
  • Sources vary on whether it is Blaney’s 12th or 15th career pole, though all agree it is his second of the 2025 season
  • Team Penske reached the 150-pole milestone in NASCAR’s top series, becoming only the fourth organization to do so
  • Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain and Kyle Busch filled out the top five on the starting grid ahead of the 90-lap race set to begin at 2 p.m. ET