Drive for the Cure 250 2024 Qualifying Order: The qualifying order for the 2024 Drive for the Cure 250 at Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the stage for an exciting race. With the fastest lap clocked at 43.800 seconds, the grid is packed with a mix of seasoned pros and rising stars. As the race approaches, fans can expect strategy, surprises, and plenty of intense action.
Key Highlights
- The Drive for the Cure 250 will take place on October 12, 2024, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.
- Preston Pardus of Pardus Racing Inc. lead with a lap time of 43.800 seconds during qualifying.
- Sheldon Creed from Joe Gibbs Racing is a top contender, clocking a notable lap time of 5.400 seconds.
- Consistent performances were noted from Riley Herbst and AJ Allmendinger, finishing with times of 6.050 and 9.650 seconds, respectively.
- The event supports breast cancer awareness, adding a charitable element to the thrilling motorsport action at Charlotte.
Event Overview
As the excitement builds for the Drive for the Cure 250, anticipation is high for what promises to be an thrilling confrontation at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Scheduled for Saturday, October 12, at 3:30 p.m. ET, this race marks the 29th event of the 2024 Xfinity Series season and serves as the concluding race of the Round of 12.
With a total distance of 155 miles, the event is not only a test of speed but also a tactical battle, as drivers navigate the intricacies of one of NASCAR’s premier tracks.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway, renowned for its 2.28-mile layout, features a combination of high-speed straights and challenging turns that demand precision and skill from the competitors. This venue, located in Concord, North Carolina, is distinguished by its road course, providing an extra layer of complexity for teams and drivers alike.
The diverse field, comprising 38 seasoned participants, will certainly amplify the competitive atmosphere, as each driver aims to secure crucial points in their quest for the championship.
The Drive for the Cure 250 is not merely a race; it symbolizes the intersection of motorsport excitement and the commitment to charitable causes, particularly in support of breast cancer awareness.
Practice and Qualifying Information
The practice and qualifying sessions for the Drive for the Cure 250 are set to commence the racing weekend, providing teams with a vital opportunity to fine-tune their vehicles and strategies ahead of the main event.
Scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. ET, the practice session allows drivers to assess their cars’ handling and performance on the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course. This track, known for its unique challenges, demands a careful approach to vehicle setup, as teams must balance speed with stability.
Following practice, qualifying will take place at 11 a.m. ET, a session that promises to be intense as drivers vie for ideal starting positions in the 67-lap race later in the afternoon. The results of these sessions are critical; they not only influence race strategy but also impact the psychological edge drivers may carry into the competition.
Defending champion Sam Mayer from JR Motorsports will certainly be a focal point during this weekend’s activities, as he seeks to replicate his previous success.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the sessions, teams will be carefully analyzing data, making adjustments, and preparing for the environment that characterizes NASCAR events.
Qualifying Order
A thorough qualifying order for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 250 reveals the competitive landscape shaping up for the event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The session begins with Preston Pardus of Pardus Racing Inc., who set a lap time of 43.800 seconds, showing the early potential of underdog teams.
Importantly, the order culminates with Sheldon Creed from Joe Gibbs Racing, who clocked in at an impressive 5.400 seconds, indicating a performance that positions him as a formidable contender.
Analyzing the qualifying times, a clear hierarchy emerges, with drivers like Riley Herbst and AJ Allmendinger demonstrating consistent speed, finishing at 6.050 and 9.650 seconds respectively. This suggests a competitive edge that could play a vital role in race strategy.
Driver | Time |
Preston Pardus | 43.8 |
Dawson Cram(i) | 35.45 |
Alex Labbe | 33.6 |
Brad Perez | 32.25 |
Josh Bilicki | 29.65 |
Nathan Byrd | 28.9 |
Ed Jones | 28.05 |
Anthony Alfredo | 24.65 |
Dylan Lupton | 24.2 |
23.8 | |
Ryan Ellis | 22 |
Leland Honeyman #
|
19.45 |
Brennan Poole | 13.65 |
Shane Van Gisbergen # (P)
|
23.7 |
Austin Hill (P) | 16.6 |
Parker Kligerman (P)
|
12.75 |
AJ Allmendinger (P)
|
9.65 |
Jesse Love # (P) | 8.85 |
Riley Herbst (P) | 6.05 |
Austin Green | 37.6 |
Thomas Annunziata | 34.95 |
Sage Karam | 32.9 |
Connor Mosack(i) | 30.85 |
Ryan Sieg | 29.05 |
Jeremy Clements | 28.7 |
Parker Retzlaff | 26.05 |
Josh Williams | 24.45 |
Brandon Jones | 24.1 |
Blaine Perkins | 22.95 |
Kyle Sieg | 21.8 |
Jeb Burton | 14.15 |
Sam Mayer (P) | 28.55 |
Justin Allgaier (P) | 20 |
Cole Custer (P) | 15.9 |
Aric Almirola (P) | 11.1 |
Sammy Smith (P) | 8.95 |
Chandler Smith (P) | 6.3 |
Sheldon Creed (P) | 5.4 |
The variety in lap times from the different teams reflects the balance between emerging talent and established drivers. Significantly, younger drivers like Jesse Love and Sammy Smith have shown promise with competitive lap times, indicating a shift in the traditional power dynamics of the series.
As teams prepare for the race, the qualifying order not only influences starting positions but also sets the tone for tactical decisions during the Drive for the Cure 250.
News in Brief: Drive for the Cure 250 2024 Qualifying Order
The qualifying order for the Drive for the Cure 250 at Charlotte Motor Speedway has established an intriguing dynamic among competitors. With Preston Pardus setting the pace, the stage is primed for an intense competition between seasoned drivers and emerging talents. The blend of experience and youthful energy promises to deliver a riveting race.
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