Goodyear 400 Qualifying Order: As the engines rev up for the Goodyear 400 at the historic Darlington Raceway, the qualifying order reveals a tantalizing lineup that promises to redefine race dynamics. At the forefront, Kaz Grala and Kyle Larson emerge as leaders of their respective groups, each bringing a distinct blend of strategy and speed to the track famously dubbed ‘The Track Too Tough to Tame.’ With Grala’s aggressive pursuit of the lead and Larson’s calculated navigation from a lower starting point, the stage is set for a clash of titans.
Key Takeaways
- Kaz Grala and Kyle Larson lead Groups A and B in the qualifying order.
- Group A shows competitive potential with Kaz Grala’s high metric score.
- Kyle Larson tops Group B despite a lower-than-expected metric score.
- Top contenders from each group are poised for strategic battles during the race.
- The qualifying results set the stage for intense competition and potential upsets at Darlington Raceway.
Event Details
The Darlington Raceway, a historic track with a distinctive egg-shaped oval, is set to host the fifth annual Goodyear 400 on Sunday, May 12, 2024, marking it as the 13th race of the season. Known for its unique asymmetry and challenging turns, the raceway requires drivers to adapt their strategies extensively, particularly considering the variation in banking angles—25 degrees in turns 1 and 2, and slightly less at 23 degrees in turns 3 and 4. This variance not only tests the drivers’ skills but also places a premium on car setup and tire wear management.
Track conditions at Darlington are notoriously tough, earning it the nickname ‘The Track Too Tough to Tame.’ Abrasive asphalt surfaces lead to high tire degradation, compelling teams to prioritize tire management in their strategies. This aspect is critical, as the performance drop-off can have a significant impact on lap times as the race progresses.
Weather plays an important role, with the forecast predicting clear skies but high temperatures, which could further influence tire performance and cooling systems. Teams will need to adjust their pit stop strategies accordingly, balancing the need for fresh tires against the loss of track position.
Where old-school attitude meets new-school flair. #NASCARThrowback at @TooToughToTame is officially here! pic.twitter.com/6QW6ZwTDTz
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 8, 2024
Race Weekend Schedule
Darlington Raceway gears up for a packed weekend, commencing with practice and qualifying sessions on Saturday at 10:35 a.m ET and 11:20 a.m ET respectively, broadcast on FS1, setting the stage for Sunday’s highly anticipated Goodyear 400.
The driver lineup, featuring 36 competitors, promises a display of skill and speed, highlighting both seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers. Attention to track conditions is vital; Darlington, known for its abrasive surface, demands tires that can withstand significant wear. Teams will spend considerable time analyzing data from practice laps to adjust their cars effectively.
Strategy options will vary, with some teams focusing on securing a strong start position to avoid the challenges of mid-pack racing, while others might conserve resources for a strong finish.
Fans and teams alike will keep a keen eye on the practice and qualifying sessions, where the fastest laps will not only provide a morale lift but also crucial insights into potential race day performance.
Qualifying Order
Following the excitement of practice sessions, FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass revealed the qualifying order for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, with Kaz Grala and Kyle Larson leading Groups A and B respectively. This division sets the stage for some intriguing driver matchups and potential strategic plays, considering the diverse performance trends and track conditions.
Qualifying orders for Darlington: pic.twitter.com/pWTr8RcIqx
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 8, 2024
Analyzing the lineup, Group A appears highly competitive with Kaz Grala at the forefront, having a metric score markedly higher than his closest competitors. This could suggest a strategic advantage, as higher scores often correlate with better performance trends at Darlington—a track notorious for its abrasive surface and tire wear challenges.
| Group A | Driver | Metric Score |
| 1 | Kaz Grala | 37.4 |
| 2 | Derek Kraus | 32.4 |
| 3 | Erik Jones | 29.25 |
| 4 | Ryan Preece | 28.8 |
| 5 | Corey LaJoie | 26.95 |
| 6 | Joey Logano | 26.85 |
| 7 | Justin Haley | 23.4 |
| 8 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr | 20.7 |
| 9 | Ty Gibbs | 20.3 |
| 10 | John Hunter Nemechek | 19 |
| 11 | Michael McDowell | 16.4 |
| 12 | William Byron | 15.6 |
| 13 | Tyler Reddick | 14 |
| 14 | Noah Gragson | 11.9 |
| 15 | Alex Bowman | 9.35 |
| 16 | Christopher Bell | 8 |
| 17 | Chris Buescher | 5.45 |
| 18 | Martin Truex Jr | 3.9 |
Group B, led by Kyle Larson with a surprisingly low metric score of 1.000, hints at potential upsets. Larson, a skilled driver known for his come-from-behind victories, might utilize this position to disrupt the expected outcomes, especially under varying track conditions.
| Group B | Driver | Metric Score |
| 1 | Harrison Burton | 35 |
| 2 | Zane Smith | 30.25 |
| 3 | Daniel Hemric | 28.85 |
| 4 | Austin Dillon | 27.85 |
| 5 | Austin Cindric | 26.85 |
| 6 | Daniel Suarez | 24.15 |
| 7 | Carson Hocevar | 21.85 |
| 8 | Chase Briscoe | 20.65 |
| 9 | Josh Berry | 19.2 |
| 10 | Todd Gilliland | 18.15 |
| 11 | Bubba Wallace | 16.2 |
| 12 | Brad Keselowski | 14.5 |
| 13 | Ross Chastain | 13.3 |
| 14 | Ryan Blaney | 10.65 |
| 15 | Kyle Busch | 9.1 |
| 16 | Chase Elliott | 5.55 |
| 17 | Denny Hamlin | 4.95 |
| 18 | Kyle Larson | 1 |
Where to Watch
Tune in to FS1 and MRN this weekend to catch all the thrilling action from the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway. As the engines roar and tires screech, make sure you’re well-prepared to follow every turn and overtake with our detailed guide on where to watch the Goodyear 400.
For enthusiasts seeking in-depth race coverage, FS1 is your primary broadcast station, offering an immersive experience with multiple camera angles, pit lane insights, and expert commentary. The broadcast schedule kicks off with pre-race analysis, giving viewers a rundown of the qualifying order and what to expect on race day. As the green flag waves, live coverage will continue seamlessly until the checkered flag decides the victor.
Additionally, for those who prefer radio commentary or are on the move, the Motor Racing Network (MRN) provides an audio broadcast accessible nationwide. Their coverage includes live race commentary, which captures the essence of the track atmosphere, making it feel as if you’re standing right by the racetrack barriers.
News In Brief: Goodyear 400 Qualifying Order
The Goodyear 400 Qualifying Order introduces a dynamic and competitive element to the race at Darlington Raceway. With Kaz Grala and Kyle Larson leading their respective groups, the event promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle. Observers should anticipate strategic moves and potential surprises, as drivers navigate the complexities of the challenging track.
This qualifying order not only sets the stage for an exciting race but also highlights the unpredictable nature of motorsports at ‘The Track Too Tough to Tame’.
ALSO READ: Goodyear 400 Weather Forecast: Thrilling Update Before Race
