Sonoma Xfinity Race Qualifying Order: The stage is set for the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma Raceway, with Sage Karam and Preston Pardus leading their respective groups in the qualifying order. This event promises intense competition as drivers like Thomas Annunziata, Matt DiBenedetto, Ed Jones, and Josh Bilicki push for prime starting positions on the challenging 1.99-mile road course. The qualifying session will be crucial, influencing race-day strategies and outcomes. How will these positioning battles impact the race dynamics?
Key Highlights
- Sage Karam leads Group A in qualifying with a time of 40.300.
- Preston Pardus tops Group B with a qualifying time of 44.150.
- Group A includes notable drivers like Thomas Annunziata and Matt DiBenedetto.
- AJ Allmendinger and Sammy Smith closely follow Allgaier in Group B.
- Aric Almirola returns as the defending champion.
Event Details
The Sonoma Raceway is set to host the highly anticipated Zip Buy Now Pay Later 250, marking the 14th race of the 2024 Xfinity Series season this Saturday at 8 pm ET.
This event is poised to be a defining moment in the series, as 39 drivers will compete on Sonoma’s renowned 1.99-mile permanent road course. Located in the picturesque wine country of Sonoma, California, the raceway is a favorite among drivers and fans, offering a unique blend of challenging turns and elevation changes that test both skill and strategy.
The 156-mile contest will unfold over the course of 78 laps, each presenting an opportunity for drivers to demonstrate their skills on a track known for its technical demands.
The layout of the Sonoma Raceway, with its mix of high-speed straights and tight corners, ensures that both overtaking and defensive driving will play important roles in determining the outcome. This race is not only a test of speed but also of endurance and tactical intelligence.
The Zip Buy Now Pay Later 250 is more than just another race in the season; it is a critical point where points can be gained or lost, significantly impacting the standings. With the competition heating up, every driver will be keen to capitalize on this opportunity to make a statement.
We had a lot of fun road racing out west.
Let's do it again, shall we? 😉
SATURDAY | 8 p.m. ET | FS1 pic.twitter.com/Hhmv6IsOCb
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) June 5, 2024
Schedule and Coverage
As teams and drivers gear up for the Zip Buy Now Pay Later 250, a detailed schedule and extensive coverage guarantee fans won’t miss a moment of the action. The racing weekend begins with Friday’s practice session at 4:05 pm ET, offering teams an important opportunity to fine-tune their setups and strategies on the challenging Sonoma Raceway circuit. This initial session, broadcast on FS2, sets the stage for the competition to follow.
Saturday’s schedule intensifies with the qualifying session at 3:30 pm ET, also aired on FS2. These qualifying laps are crucial, as they determine the starting grid for the main event. Each driver will need to harness their skill and precision to secure a favorable position, which can be a decisive factor in the 79-lap race that evening. The tension mounts as every moment counts, making qualifying a must-watch for enthusiasts and analysts alike.
The peak of the weekend’s events is the main race on Saturday evening, broadcast live on FS1 and PRN. This extensive coverage ensures that fans can follow every twist and turn of the Zip Buy Now Pay Later 250, from the green flag to the checkered flag. The combination of FS1’s visual broadcast and PRN’s insightful commentary provides a rich, immersive experience, capturing the intensity and excitement of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Defending Champion and Qualifying Order
Defending champion Aric Almirola returns to Sonoma Raceway with high expectations as the qualifying order for the 2024 Zip Buy Now Pay Later 250 has been announced. The anticipation is palpable as Almirola aims to replicate his success from the previous year. Renowned for his strategic expertise and tenacity, Almirola’s presence adds a layer of prestige to the event, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
Group A:
Driver | Time |
Sage Karam | 40.3 |
Thomas Annunziata | 35.35 |
Matt DiBenedetto | 32.7 |
Ed Jones | 32.25 |
Josh Bilicki | 30.75 |
Garrett Smithley | 29 |
Jeremy Clements | 26.15 |
Leland Honeyman | 25.55 |
John Hunter Nemechek | 24.9 |
Austin Green | 24.1 |
Ty Gibbs | 23.6 |
Chandler Smith | 20.2 |
Brennan Poole | 18.55 |
Jesse Love | 14.3 |
Josh Williams | 13.05 |
Parker Kligerman | 8.85 |
Austin Hill | 8.1 |
Shane van Gisbergen | 6.4 |
Cole Custer | 4.15 |
Group B:
Driver | Time |
Preston Pardus | 44.15 |
Boris Said | 38.2 |
Alex Labbe | 34.85 |
Hailie Deegan | 32.6 |
Brad Perez | 31.95 |
Jeb Burton | 29.65 |
Brandon Jones | 26.4 |
Anthony Alfredo | 26 |
Blaine Perkins | 25.3 |
Kyle Sieg | 24.85 |
Kyle Weatherman | 23.9 |
Ryan Ellis | 22.15 |
Sam Mayer | 19.65 |
Ryan Sieg | 15.3 |
Parker Retzlaff | 13.65 |
Sheldon Creed | 10.7 |
Riley Herbst | 8.4 |
Sammy Smith | 6.85 |
AJ Allmendinger | 5.65 |
Justin Allgaier | 2.55 |
The qualifying order, as tweeted by FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, has been carefully arranged, creating a buzz among fans and competitors alike. The field is divided into two groups – Group A and Group B – each led by notable drivers. Sage Karam will spearhead Group A, while Preston Pardus takes charge of Group B. This structured approach promises a dynamic and competitive qualifying session, ensuring that every driver has an equal opportunity to secure a favorable starting position.
The division into groups not only streamlines the process but also heightens the competitive spirit. Each driver’s performance in their respective group will be vital, as it will determine their starting position in the main race. As the clock ticks down to the qualifying session, all eyes will be on Sonoma Raceway, where the best in the NASCAR Xfinity Series will vie for supremacy.
Qualifying Order Details
In a highly anticipated reveal, the complete qualifying order for the Zip Buy Now Pay Later 250 highlights a varied lineup of experienced drivers and up-and-coming talents. The qualifying sessions, divided into two groups, underscored the depth of skill and competition present in this season’s field.
Qualifying groups for Sonoma: pic.twitter.com/2MkOuBs03d
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 5, 2024
Group A’s top qualifier, Sage Karam, clocked an impressive 40.300, securing the pole position. Close behind, Thomas Annunziata and Matt DiBenedetto posted times of 35.350 and 32.700 respectively, demonstrating their competitive edge. Notable mentions include Ed Jones at 32.250 and Josh Bilicki at 30.750, both showing promising form. Garrett Smithley and Jeremy Clements also delivered strong performances with times of 29.000 and 26.150 respectively. Young talents like John Hunter Nemechek and Austin Green are poised to make significant impacts, with qualifying times of 24.900 and 24.100.
Group B saw Preston Pardus dominate with a blistering 44.150, setting a high bar for his competitors. AJ Allmendinger and Sammy Smith followed with times of 5.650 and 6.850, marking them as formidable contenders. Riley Herbst and Sheldon Creed also made their presence felt with times of 8.400 and 10.700. Veterans like Boris Said and Alex Labbe, with times of 38.200 and 34.850, bring a wealth of experience that could influence race dynamics. Newcomers such as Hailie Deegan and Preston Pardus, clocking in at 32.600 and 44.150, add fresh energy to the mix.
News in Brief: Sonoma Xfinity Race Qualifying Order
The qualifying session for the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma Raceway promises intense competition, as evidenced by standout performances from leaders Sage Karam and Preston Pardus.
With a challenging 1.99-mile road course awaiting, drivers such as Thomas Annunziata, Matt DiBenedetto, Ed Jones, and Josh Bilicki are set to make their mark.
The battle for essential starting positions is vital, setting the stage for an exhilarating race that will captivate fans and test the drivers’ skills.
ALSO READ: Sonoma Xfinity Race Entry List: Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250