TALLADEGA, Ala. — As NASCAR Cup Series qualifying concluded at Talladega Superspeedway, Christopher Bell was atop the leaderboard with a top speed of 180.591 mph.
Bell will start his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota on the pole for Sunday’s YellaWood 500 at the 2.66-mile superspeedway.
“With us getting no points at Texas, it forces our hand to have to go through those stage points. So starting on the pole, hopefully we’re able to maintain track position throughout the first 60 laps, but it’s such a long run,” Bell said.
Kyle Larson was close behind Bell with a run of 180.516 mph, securing the No. 2 qualifying position for his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Denny Hamlin put his No. 11 JGR Toyota in third as the top three qualifiers all remain alive in the playoff race for the championship.
Stewart-Haas Racing Ford drivers Aric Almirola and Chase Briscoe both had strong showings in fourth and fifth, respectively.
“We were definitely more prepared to race well rather than qualify well, so I was really surprised that first round,” Briscoe said. “I think we have a really good car and it’s just a matter of putting it all together.”
Chevrolet drivers filled out qualifying positions six through nine, with Ross Chastain, Noah Gragson, who is subbing for Alex Bowman, Tyler Reddick and William Byron putting in solid lap times to lock in a start in the top-10.
Ty Gibbs will start 10th, behind the wheel of the No. 23 Toyota, after the 23XI Racing entry began smoking after its first lap, due to a possible power steering issue. After electing to sit out Round 2, Gibbs was relegated to 10th on the grid.