The US Marine Corps 250 starting lineup is set, and history has been made at Martinsville Speedway. A fierce battle for pole position ended in a stunning result, with JR Motorsports breaking a long-standing streak. A rising star delivered an unforgettable lap, securing a top spot and edging out tough competition. Another teammate followed closely, locking out the front row. With the stage now set, all eyes turn to the race, where high-speed action and intense rivalries await.
Key Highlights
- Connor Zilisch clinched pole position for JR Motorsports with a lap time of 19.888 seconds.
- JR Motorsports achieved a front-row lockout with Carson Kvapil securing the second position.
- Austin Hill and Jesse Love from Richard Childress Racing secured third and fourth positions.
- Harrison Burton from AM Racing rounded out the top five starting positions.
- Dawson Cram and Tyler Tomassi failed to qualify, highlighting the competitiveness of NASCAR.
Connor Zilisch Claims Pole for the US Marine Corps 250
Connor Zilisch shattered expectations as he clinched the pole position for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series US Marine Corps 250 at Martinsville Speedway, marking a vital moment in his burgeoning racing career.
This achievement not only emphasized his versatility across different types of tracks but also highlighted a significant breakthrough for the No. 88 Chevrolet, ending a nine-year pole drought on ovals for JR Motorsports.
Zilisch, at just 18 years old, exhibited exceptional skill with a blistering 19.888-split lap at 95.213 MPH, etching his name into the records of NASCAR’s storied history.
His performance, a masterclass in precision and speed, outpaced his teammate Carson Kvapil by a mere 0.026 seconds, securing a front-row lockout for JR Motorsports.
The young prodigy’s ascent reflects a promising future, as he continues to build on his road course victories, particularly at Circuit of The Americas, showcasing a growing dominance on ovals.
Full US Marine Corps 250 Starting Lineup and DNQs
With anticipation running high at Martinsville Speedway, the full starting lineup for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series US Marine Corps 250 has been revealed, promising an electrifying race.
At the forefront, JR Motorsports dominates the grid with Connor Zilisch securing the pole position with an impressive lap time of 19.888 seconds at 95.213 MPH, followed closely by teammate Carson Kvapil. Richard Childress Racing‘s contenders, Austin Hill and Jesse Love, secure third and fourth positions, respectively, showcasing their skill.
| Position | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 88 | Connor Zilisch |
| 2 | 1 | Carson Kvapil |
| 3 | 21 | Austin Hill |
| 4 | 2 | Jesse Love |
| 5 | 25 | Harrison Burton |
| 6 | 7 | Justin Allgaier |
| 7 | 20 | Brandon Jones |
| 8 | 17 | Corey Day |
| 9 | 10 | Daniel Dye |
| 10 | 8 | Sammy Smith |
| 11 | 54 | Taylor Gray |
| 12 | 26 | Dean Thompson |
| 13 | 39 | Ryan Sieg |
| 14 | 18 | William Sawalich |
| 15 | 19 | Aric Almirola |
| 16 | 41 | Sam Mayer |
| 17 | 42 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 18 | 00 | Sheldon Creed |
| 19 | 16 | Christian Eckes |
| 20 | 48 | Nick Sanchez |
| 21 | 91 | Myatt Snider |
| 22 | 31 | Blaine Perkins |
| 23 | 51 |
Jeremy Clements
|
| 24 | 71 | Ryan Ellis |
| 25 | 70 |
Thomas Annunziata
|
| 26 | 11 | Josh Williams |
| 27 | 4 | Parker Retzlaff |
| 28 | 99 |
Matt DiBenedetto
|
| 29 | 44 | Brennan Poole |
| 30 | 5 | Kris Wright |
| 31 | 53 | Mason Maggio |
| 32 | 45 | Brad Perez |
| 33 | 24 | Patrick Staropoli |
| 34 | 14 | Garrett Smithley |
| 35 | 28 | Kyle Sieg |
| 36 | 35 | Greg Van Alst |
| 37 | 07 | Carson Ware |
| 38 | 27 | Jeb Burton |
| 39 | 74 | Dawson Cram |
| 40 | 66 | Tyler Tomassi |
The top ten is rounded out by formidable competitors like Harrison Burton of AM Racing and Justin Allgaier, another JR Motorsports driver. Meanwhile, Brandon Jones, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, and Corey Day from Hendrick Motorsports promise fierce competition.
Unfortunately, some hopefuls missed the cut. Dawson Cram and Tyler Tomassi, despite valiant efforts, failed to qualify, reminding all of the relentless nature of NASCAR racing. Zilisch now aims for victory in Saturday’s race.
News in Brief: US Marine Corps 250 Starting Lineup
In a thrilling display of speed and precision at the historic Martinsville Speedway, Connor Zilisch etched his name into the records of racing history by claiming pole position for the US Marine Corps 250.
The dramatic qualifying session saw JRM dominate, locking out the front row with unmatched skill. As engines roar to life and anticipation fills the air, this year’s lineup promises a race for the ages, where legends will be forged and fans will witness motorsport history.
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