2024 Quaker State 400 Starting Lineup: The 2024 Quaker State 400 has set the stage for an intriguing competition, with Michael McDowell clinching the pole position at an impressive 179.267 mph, just ahead of last year’s champion, Ryan Blaney. This lineup not only features established drivers but also showcases rising talents like Todd Gilliland and Josh Berry, promising a blend of experience and innovation on the track. As 38 competitors gear up for this critical playoff event, the tactical maneuvers and rivalries that will unfold merit a closer examination of how each driver’s positioning could impact the race’s outcome. What tactics might emerge as they navigate this complex landscape?
Key Highlights
- Michael McDowell secured the pole position with a qualifying lap of 179.267 mph for the 2024 Quaker State 400.
- Defending champion Ryan Blaney starts alongside McDowell in the front row at 178.844 mph.
- The top five starting positions also include Todd Gilliland, Josh Berry, and Austin Cindric.
- Notable drivers in the top ten include Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe.
- A total of 38 competitors will race, making starting positions crucial for strategy and performance.
Race Details and Broadcast Information
As the NASCAR season unfolds, the anticipation builds for the 2024 Quaker State 400, set to take place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. This race holds critical significance as it marks the initial playoff race of the season, heightening the stakes for competitors vying for the championship title.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 8, the event will commence at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports and USA Network, ensuring that fans can engage with the action in real-time.
Michael McDowell sweeps the pole awards at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2024. pic.twitter.com/KXlavZocvR
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 7, 2024
The Atlanta Motor Speedway presents a challenging 1.54-mile-long track that tests the drivers’ skill and tactical insight. Over the course of 260 laps, a total of 38 talented drivers will compete for supremacy, each aiming for a decisive victory that could enhance their playoff standings.
The configuration of the track, characterized by its high-speed straights and challenging turns, often influences race dynamics, compelling teams to optimize their setups for both speed and tire management.
As the drivers prepare to navigate this complex circuit, the importance of qualifying positions becomes apparent. Starting well can provide a tactical advantage, allowing drivers to dictate the pace and positioning throughout the race.
Starting Lineup for the 2024 Quaker State 400
Typically, the starting lineup plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of the race, and the 2024 Quaker State 400 is no exception. The lineup, revealed by FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass, showcases a competitive field, with Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell seizing the pole position. McDowell’s qualifying lap of 179.267 mph marks his fifth pole of the season and the fifth of his career, highlighting his growing skill in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Joining McDowell on the front row is the defending champion, Ryan Blaney, who clocked in at 178.844 mph. This tactical positioning sets the stage for a compelling battle at the start, as both drivers possess the skill and experience to utilize their front-row status effectively. Following them are Todd Gilliland, Josh Berry, and Austin Cindric, rounding out the top five. Each of these drivers brings unique strengths, with Gilliland showing promise and Berry continuing to establish his presence in the series.
The top ten is further enhanced by notable names such as Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe. Each of these competitors has a track record of performance that could influence the race’s outcome.
As the engines roar to life, the starting lineup will certainly play a critical role in determining the strategies and outcomes of this year’s Quaker State 400, making it a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts.
Complete Starting Lineup for the 2024 Quaker State 400
The complete starting lineup for the 2024 Quaker State 400 features 38 skilled competitors ready to compete at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, each bringing unique strengths and tactics to the race. Among them, Michael McDowell leads the pack, showcasing his adeptness on intermediate tracks, while Ryan Blaney, known for his aggressive driving style, aims to capitalize on any opportunity to secure a front-running position.
| Number | Driver | Status |
| #34 |
Michael McDowell
|
|
| #12 | Ryan Blaney | P |
| #38 | Todd Gilliland | |
| #4 | Josh Berry | R |
| #2 | Austin Cindric | P |
| #5 | Kyle Larson | P |
| #22 | Joey Logano | P |
| #3 | Austin Dillon | |
| #24 | William Byron | P |
| #14 | Chase Briscoe | P |
| #48 | Alex Bowman | P |
| #21 | Harrison Burton | P |
| #10 | Noah Gragson | |
| #31 | Daniel Hemric | |
| #8 | Kyle Busch | |
| #9 | Chase Elliott | P |
| #17 | Chris Buescher | |
| #1 | Ross Chastain | |
| #6 | Brad Keselowski | P |
| #54 | Ty Gibbs | P |
| #41 | Ryan Preece | |
| #19 | Martin Truex Jr. | P |
| #45 | Tyler Reddick | P |
| #23 | Bubba Wallace | |
| #7 | Corey LaJoie | |
| #20 | Christopher Bell | P |
| #47 | ||
| #16 | Shane van Gisbergen | i |
| #51 | Justin Haley | |
| #99 | Daniel Suárez | P |
| #15 | Cody Ware | |
| #77 | Carson Hocevar | R |
| #43 | Erik Jones | |
| #71 | Zane Smith | R |
| #42 | ||
| #78 | B. J. McLeod | i |
| #44 | J. J. Yeley | i |
| #11 | Denny Hamlin | P |
Todd Gilliland and Josh Berry, both young talents, have illustrated their potential and could surprise seasoned veterans. Austin Cindric, with his tactical mindset, is likely to play a vital role in the race’s dynamics.
Veterans such as Kyle Larson and Joey Logano bring experience and a deep understanding of tire management, which will be essential in the latter stages of the race. The lineup also includes formidable contenders like Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch, who have a history of performing well under pressure.
Meanwhile, emerging drivers like Tyler Reddick and Chris Buescher may utilize their recent performances to challenge the top tier. As the race unfolds, the performance of each driver will be influenced by their pit strategies, track position, and the ever-changing dynamics of NASCAR racing.
Cup lineup for Sunday. Issue in the powertrain for Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/9rjeBbNeyy
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 7, 2024
The diverse skill set represented in this lineup guarantees that the 2024 Quaker State 400 will be a thrilling contest, highlighting both established stars and rising talents in the NASCAR Cup Series. Fans can expect a competitive and engaging race on Sunday, underscoring the depth of talent in this year’s field.
News in Brief: 2024 Quaker State 400 Starting Lineup
The 2024 Quaker State 400 promises to deliver an exciting display of competitive racing, with Michael McDowell’s pole position setting the stage for tactical maneuvers among the top drivers. The presence of both emerging talents and seasoned veterans in the starting lineup amplifies the anticipation for the event. As the playoff season intensifies, this race will likely serve as a vital indicator of driver performance and team strategies, ultimately influencing the championship landscape.
ALSO READ: NASCAR’s Most Unforgettable Playoff Moments: Payback, Fistfights, and Wallrides
