The 2024 South Point 400 qualifying order spotlights essential contenders who can change race outcomes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Leading Group A is Cody Ware, displaying impressive metrics, while John Hunter Nemechek follows closely. However, veterans like Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch face hurdles, potentially altering their race strategies. In Group B, Jimmie Johnson shines with a top score, supported by emerging talents Corey LaJoie and Erik Jones, who could surprise the competition.
Key Highlights
- Cody Ware topped Group A qualifying with a score of 35.750, positioning himself as a contender for the race.
- Jimmie Johnson led Group B with a score of 41.700, showing his competitive edge and experience.
- Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch, both veterans, faced challenges in qualifying, impacting their race strategies.
- John Hunter Nemechek’s strong performance in Group A places him as a key player to watch.
- Emerging drivers like Corey LaJoie and Erik Jones could surprise fans, making them significant to the race dynamics.
Event Overview
As fans keenly anticipate the South Point 400, it becomes evident that this event marks a vital moment in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The race, scheduled for October 20, 2024, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, serves as the seventh playoff race of the season and the essential kickoff to the Round of 8.
This contest, spanning 400.5 miles, will test the mettle of drivers as they drive the complexities of a 1.5-mile quad-oval track, characterized by its 20 degrees of banking in each turn and nine degrees on the front and backstretch.
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a prominent venue since hosting its first South Point 400 in 2018, brings a unique blend of speed and strategy to the forefront. Drivers must skillfully manage tire wear and fuel consumption while approaching the track’s dynamic elevation changes and challenging turns.
The atmosphere is amplified by the playoff implications, as competitors compete for significant points that could determine their advancement to the next round.
Race Weekend Schedule
The race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway promises an action-packed schedule as teams prepare to compete in the South Point 400. This event marks the second appearance of the NASCAR Cup Series at this venue in 2024, and the stakes are significantly high as it is a critical race in the playoffs. With 37 drivers competing for supremacy, the competition will be fierce.
A spot in the #Championship4 is up for grabs.
SUNDAY | 2:30 p.m. ET | NBC pic.twitter.com/w4x4aHZo3R
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 16, 2024
Kicking off the weekend, practice sessions will take place on Saturday, October 19, beginning at 4:35 p.m. ET. These sessions are vital as they will determine the starting positions for the race—an important factor in a driver’s strategy and potential success. Following practice, the qualifying session will commence at 5:20 p.m. ET, broadcast on USA Network and NBC Sports.
Qualifying Order and Details
Revealing the qualifying order for the 2024 South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway shows a dynamic field of drivers enthusiastic to secure favorable starting positions. The qualifying session is structured into two groups, with Cody Ware and Jimmie Johnson leading their respective groups, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
In Group A, Ware topped the metric score with 35.750, followed closely by John Hunter Nemechek at 33.750. The performance of these drivers will be essential, as they not only aim for ideal grid positions but also seek momentum heading into the race.
Qualifying orders for Vegas: pic.twitter.com/mDSH6PVmVI
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 16, 2024
Significantly, veteran drivers like Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch found themselves lower in the order, which may impact their race strategies, challenging their adaptability in the face of adversity.
Group A
| Driver | Value |
| Cody Ware | 35.75 |
John Hunter Nemechek | 33.75 |
| Justin Haley | 29.3 |
| 28.4 | |
| Chase Briscoe | 27.6 |
| Ryan Preece | 26.55 |
| Josh Berry | 25.25 |
| Ty Gibbs | 23.3 |
| Zane Smith | 21.4 |
| Todd Gilliland | 19.7 |
| Martin Truex, Jr. | 17.4 |
| Kyle Busch | 17.25 |
| Chris Buescher | 15.65 |
| Carson Hocevar | 13.65 |
Denny Hamlin (P) | 13.75 |
| Joey Logano (P) | 9.65 |
| Chase Elliott (P) | 7.2 |
Christopher Bell (P) | 2.6 |
Conversely, Group B sees Jimmie Johnson leading with an impressive score of 41.700. This performance not only emphasizes Johnson’s skill but also adds intrigue, given his storied career and recent return to the series.
Group B
| Driver | Value |
| Jimmie Johnson | 41.7 |
| Corey LaJoie | 35.45 |
| Erik Jones | 31.9 |
| Noah Gragson | 28.45 |
| Alex Bowman | 27.85 |
| Daniel Hemric | 27.5 |
| Austin Dillon | 25.95 |
| Daniel Suarez | 23.6 |
| Ross Chastain | 22.15 |
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. | 19.85 |
| Harrison Burton | 17.7 |
| 17.35 | |
| Brad Keselowski | 17.15 |
| Bubba Wallace | 13.95 |
| Austin Cindric | 8.05 |
| Ryan Blaney (P) | 10.05 |
Tyler Reddick (P) | 7.9 |
William Byron (P) | 5.3 |
| Kyle Larson (P) | 1.3 |
Other prominent contenders, such as Corey LaJoie and Erik Jones, also positioned themselves well, suggesting potential surprises in the race.
News in Brief: 2024 South Point 400 Qualifying Order
The South Point 400 in 2024 promises to be a crucial event in the racing calendar, showing the tactical importance of qualifying order. Key players emerge as frontrunners, each possessing unique strengths that could influence race dynamics.
Understanding the intricacies of the qualifying process will provide valuable insights into potential outcomes. As the weekend starts, the interplay of skill, strategy, and performance will ultimately determine which contenders rise to the occasion and secure their positions in this critical race.
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