CONCORD, N.C. — A.J. Allmendinger recorded a 1:21.694 lap time at the mid-point of the NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying session at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, securing pole position for Saturday’s Drive for the Cure 250.
The Kaulig Racing driver smoothly maneuvered his way around the 17-turn, 2.28-mile course, beating out Joe Gibbs Racing driver Ty Gibbs who finished second with a 1:21.767 fast lap.
Daniel Hemric, Sheldon Creed and Justin Allgaier rounded out the top five.
Noah Gragson was scrambling in the pits in between the first and final rounds of qualifying after crashing his No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet into the turn two wall. The team will now utilize their backup entry.
Sam Mayer, Landon Cassill, Austin Hill, Sage Karam and Jeremy Clements completed the top 10.
For Karam, it was his first career Xfinity Series top-ten qualifying result in his career.
“I think we’re in good shape,” Karam said. “The lap wasn’t perfect, this track is very strange to drive. It’s very easy to overdrive.”
The Drive for the Cure 250 will commence at 3 p.m. (ET) on Saturday.