Ag-Pro 300 Starting Lineup: As the engines start for the Ag-Pro 300 at the iconic Talladega Superspeedway, Alabama the starting lineup, led by pole-sitter Austin Hill, promises a thrilling spectacle that motorsports enthusiasts eagerly anticipate. The combination of seasoned racers and bold young talent sets the stage for an unpredictable showdown that could redefine standings and reputations. With strategic importance as vital as raw speed on Talladega’s high banks, each driver must navigate the delicate balance of aggression and precision.
Key Takeaways
- Austin Hill leads the Ag-Pro 300 starting lineup from the pole position, showcasing his mastery of Talladega’s challenges.
- Jesse Love and Parker Kligerman round out the top three, promising a dynamic battle with diverse racing styles.
- The lineup features a combination of young talents like Sammy Smith and seasoned veterans such as Ryan Truex, enhancing the competitive spirit.
- Unpredictable elements like wildcard entrant Shane Van Gisbergen, starting 18th, add an exciting variable to the race dynamics.
- Legacy drivers Hailie Deegan, Jeffery Earnhardt, and Jeb Burton, starting lower in the lineup, bring rich family histories into the race narrative.
Event Introduction
As the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series progresses, the much-anticipated Ag-Pro 300 gears up to deliver high-speed excitement at the iconic Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. Set to broadcast live on FS1 and MRN at 4 pm ET on Saturday, April 20, this event marks the ninth race of the season, showcasing the formidable 2.66-mile-long track that has been a cornerstone of NASCAR.
The Talladega Superspeedway, known for its high banks and long straights, allows drivers to push the limits of speed and endurance, making the Ag-Pro 300 a significant challenge in the Xfinity Series calendar. The track’s unique layout, featuring one of the longest tri-ovals in NASCAR, tests the technical skills of the drivers and the strategic insight of their teams. Mastery of drafting techniques, coupled with precise timing and fearless overtaking, becomes essential for success on this famous circuit.
In a big Xfinity race, 38 drivers will race each other. They’ll drive around the track for 113 laps. The whole race will cover a distance of 300.58 miles. The drivers really want to win, so they’re aiming to be the first one to cross the finish line and celebrate in victory lane.
Pole Winner Announcement
Austin Hill, driving for Richard Childress Racing, clinched his first pole position of the 2024 Xfinity Series season during the qualifying round at Talladega Superspeedway. Hill’s impressive performance, clocking in a lap time of 52.723 seconds at a speed of 181.629 mph, not only positioned him at the forefront for the upcoming Ag-Pro 300 but also highlighted his growing expertise on NASCAR’s high-speed tracks.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in Hill’s career, securing his third consecutive pole at Talladega—a feat that speaks volumes about his fondness and skill for superspeedway racing. It is his fifth career pole in the Xfinity Series, an indicator of his consistent top-tier performance and racing knowledge. Hill’s approach to the qualifying round was tactically sound, demonstrating his ability to harness the full potential of his No. 21 Chevrolet under the high-pressure conditions that Talladega is known for.
Xfinity lineup for Sunday at Talladega: pic.twitter.com/9udzm3pa08
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 19, 2024
Starting Lineup
Joining Austin Hill at the front of the pack, his teammate and rookie Jesse Love secured the second starting position with a lap speed of 181.120 mph, setting the stage for an exhilarating race at the Ag-Pro 300. The significance of Love’s performance cannot be overstated; it is a proof of his rising talent and the robust support system provided by his team. His position at the front row not only offers him an advantageous start but also places him under the spotlight, challenging him to capitalize on this opportunity to solidify his reputation early in his career.
Following closely in the lineup are seasoned competitors like Parker Kligerman and Cole Custer. Their presence near the front is indicative of their extensive experience and refined skills, which are set to add strategic depth to the race. Kligerman, known for his sharp overtaking techniques, and Custer, with his methodical race pace management, are expected to provide stiff competition and possibly influence the flow in the initial laps.
| Car Number | Driver |
| #21 | Austin Hill |
| #2 | Jesse Love |
| #48 | Parker Kligerman |
| #00 | Cole Custer |
| #8 | Sammy Smith |
| #20 | Ryan Truex |
| #81 | Chandler Smith |
| #98 | Riley Herbst |
| #11 | Josh Williams |
| #18 | Sheldon Creed |
| #5 | Anthony Alfredo |
| #07 | Patrick Emerling |
| #19 | Taylor Gray |
| #16 | AJ Allmendinger |
| #1 | Sam Mayer |
| #7 | Justin Allgaier |
| #35 | Joey Gase |
| #97 | Shane Van Gisbergen |
| #66 | David Starr |
| #91 | Kyle Weatherman |
| #31 | Parker Retzlaff |
| #51 | Jeremy Clements |
| #9 | Brandon Jones |
| #39 | Ryan Sieg |
| #28 | Kyle Sieg |
| #29 | Blaine Perkins |
| #44 | Brennan Poole |
| #38 | Matt DiBenedetto |
| #45 | Caesar Bacarella |
| #4 | Dawson Cram |
| #15 | Hailie Deegan |
| #32 | Jordan Anderson |
| #42 | Leland Honeyman |
| #26 | Jeffrey Earnhardt |
| #27 | Jeb Burton |
| #92 | Josh Bilicki |
| #43 | Ryan Ellis |
| #14 | Mason Massey |
| #6 | Garrett Smithley |
The presence of young talents such as Sammy Smith and the seasoned Ryan Truex further enriches the starting grid. Smith, who has shown promise in his recent outings, will be determined to translate his potential into a solid performance. Truex, with his wealth of experience, could play an important role in understanding the complexities of Talladega’s demanding track.
Notable Driver Entries
Starting from the pole position, Austin Hill is ready to leverage his front-row start into a commanding performance. His aggressive driving style and strategic skills make him a favorite for taking the checkered flag. Close behind him, Jesse Love and Parker Kligerman fill out the top three, both bringing unique strengths to the forefront in this high-stakes race.
- Sam Mayer and Justin Allgaier, starting 15th and 16th respectively, are known for their tactical racing and ability to navigate through the pack.
- Shane Van Gisbergen, a wildcard entrant at 18th, brings a wealth of racing experience from different motorsport disciplines.
- Hailie Deegan, starting in the 31st position, continues to attract attention with her aggressive driving and resilience.
- Jeffrey Earnhardt and Jeb Burton, positioned 34th and 35th, carry forward their family legacies, adding a layer of rich historical context to their participation.
Austin Hill and his RCR teammate Jesse Love will lead the NASCAR Xfinity Series field to green tomorrow at Talladega! Coverage begins at 3:30p ET on your local FOX channel. pic.twitter.com/CjBCF5eic4
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 19, 2024
News in Brief: Ag-Pro 300 Starting Lineup
The starting lineup for the Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway is assured to deliver an exceptional display of motorsports expertise.
With Austin Hill in the pole position, complemented by a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, the race is expected to be a compelling fusion of strategy, skill, and speed.
This event not only highlights the drivers’ technical abilities but also sets the stage for unpredictable outcomes, making it a must-watch spectacle in the sport of racing.
Also Read: Ag-Pro 300 Qualifying Order: Big Showdown
