Cole Custer Secures Pole Position: Cole Custer is no stranger to victory at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, and he’s poised to make a strong push for another win in the Contender Boats 300. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver, behind the wheel of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang, left no room for doubt during Friday’s time trials, clinching the pole position for the 300-mile race set to unfold in Miami, Florida.
Custer’s performance was nothing short of impressive, clocking in at 32.608 seconds, reaching a blazing speed of 165.604mph. This pole victory marks his sixth pole of the year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the 18th in his career. This achievement comes in the midst of the Xfinity Series Playoffs’ ‘Round of 8,’ adding an extra layer of significance to his feat.
Sharing the front row with Custer is John Hunter Nemechek, who has had his share of struggles in the previous weekends due to mechanical issues during practice sessions. However, he’s looking to put those setbacks behind him and make a strong start in Saturday’s event at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Starting from the third position is Justin Allgaier, followed closely by regular-season champion Austin Hill and Sammy Smith in the top five. Brett Moffitt secures the sixth spot on the grid, with Riley Herbst, Josh Berry, Sheldon Creed, and Parker Kligerman rounding out the top 10.
Notably, Chandler Smith and Sam Mayer, both playoff-eligible drivers, find themselves starting outside the top 10. This placement will undoubtedly present a challenge as they strive to move up through the ranks when the green flag drops on Saturday’s event.
With a total of 41 drivers ready to compete in the Contender Boats 300, three drivers had to bid farewell to Homestead early. Matt Mills (No. 53, Emerling-Gase Motorsports), JJ Yeley (No. 4, JD Motorsports), and Natalie Decker (No. 07, SS GreenLight Racing) were the unfortunate trio to miss out on the event.
The stage is set, and the contenders are ready to vie for victory in the Contender Boats 300 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. With Custer leading the charge from the pole position, it promises to be an exciting race filled with thrilling on-track action.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Where is Cole Custer going in 2023?
In 2023, Cole Custer made a bold move by leaving Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cup Series program after three seasons to return to the Xfinity Series. Despite a rocky start to the season, Custer persevered and ultimately emerged as the 2023 Xfinity Series champion. His determination and hard work paid off in the end, proving that sometimes taking a step back can lead to even greater success.
Why is Cole Custer back in Xfinity?
Custer and his team, led by Jonathan Toney, chose to concentrate on the job at hand. Their hard work paid off with a victory in the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship. According to team co-owner Tony Stewart, the decision to move Custer back was a strategic one aimed at boosting his confidence.
Has Cole Custer ever won a Cup race?
Having been the 2020 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, Custer is no stranger to the NASCAR Cup Series. He previously drove the No. 41 Ford for SHR and even secured his first career Cup race win at Kentucky Speedway in July 2020. Custer’s racing experience extends beyond the Cup Series, as he has also competed full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he earned two wins.
Who got the pole for Martinsville race?
With a lap of 94.153 mph, Truex has secured the pole position, marking the eighth time a Toyota Racing driver has done so in nine playoff races. Toyota Racing has also achieved a new milestone, with five of their drivers placing in the top seven for the first time since Charlotte in 2022. Ty Gibbs will start in second place, having clocked in a lap of 94.115 mph.
