NASCAR’s Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 qualifying at Darlington. Dawson Cram leads Group A, while Ryan Ellis and Garrett Smithley top Group B with matching scores. But with others like Ross Chastain and Austin Green close behind, the fight is far from over. Weather and track changes add more risk. As strong names face new pressure, the next laps may shift everything in this high-stakes race weekend.
Key Highlights
- Dawson Cram and Ryan Ellis lead Group A and Group B with impressive qualifying metrics.
- Garret Smithley ties with Ryan Ellis for the top score in Group B.
- Ross Chastain and Austin Green are strong contenders in Group A.
- Weather and track conditions will be crucial for qualifying performance.
- Austin Hill faces challenges with the lowest qualifying score in Group B.
Event Overview and Schedule
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series unfolds its eighth race of the 2025 season, the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway stands as a significant checkpoint for drivers and fans in the same way.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, commencing at 3:30 pm ET, featuring a 200-mile contest on Darlington’s distinctive 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval. This track, with its unique geometry, promises a challenging yet thrilling spectacle for competitors and spectators in a similar fashion.
The weekend’s proceedings commence with an essential practice session at 10:05 am ET, providing teams an opportunity to fine-tune their setups.
Subsequently, the qualifying session at 11:10 am ET on CW will set the grid for the 147-lap race, refining strategies to optimize performance.
Importantly, Justin Allgaier, defending champion and JR Motorsports driver, is poised to defend his title against a competitive field of 38, intensifying the drama of this storied event.
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Qualifying Format and Order Overview
Qualifying for the 2025 Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway serves as a calculated element in setting the stage for the race itself, demanding both skill and precision from the participating drivers.
The qualifying session, a prelude to the main event, is divided into two distinct groups. Group A is led by Mike Harmon Racing’s Dawson Cram, while Group B sees Ryan Ellis of DGM Racing at the forefront. This arrangement reflects a planned approach designed to improve competition and fairness.
We’re throwing it back this weekend as the @NASCAR_Xfinity Series travels to Darlington!
SATURDAY at 3 pm ET on The CW 📺 pic.twitter.com/beYARNLBCN
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) April 2, 2025
Key aspects of the qualifying format include:
- Staggered Starts: Drivers are grouped to minimize track congestion and optimize performance assessment.
- Time Trials: Individual lap times determine starting positions, emphasizing speed and consistency.
- Order Announcement: A publicized sequence provides transparency and anticipatory excitement.
- Variable Conditions: Weather and track conditions can influence driver performance.
Full Qualifying Order by Groups
Building upon the tactical framework outlined in the qualifying format, the full qualifying order by groups at the 2025 Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 crystallizes the competitive landscape.
Practice groups and qualifying orders for Darlington: pic.twitter.com/vVZF8HAgDo
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 2, 2025
Group A features Dawson Cram at the forefront with a metric score of 41.300, signaling his readiness to capitalize on prime track conditions. Ross Chastain and Austin Green follow closely, showcasing a narrow competitive margin. The order extends to Matt DiBenedetto and William Sawalich, whose lower scores suggest challenges in adapting to the track’s demands.
Group A
| No. | Driver Name | Score |
| 1 | Dawson Cram | 41.3 |
| 2 | Ross Chastain | 40.7 |
| 3 | Austin Green | 40.4 |
| 4 | Greg Van Alst | 36.6 |
| 5 | Anthony Alfredo | 35.3 |
| 6 | Kyle Sieg | 33.5 |
| 7 | Josh Bilicki | 32.7 |
| 8 | Leland Honeyman | 31.6 |
| 9 | Christian Eckes | 30.1 |
| 10 | Nick Leitz | 29.1 |
| 11 | #53 TBA | 28.3 |
| 12 | Jesse Love | 27.7 |
| 13 | Nick Sanchez | 27.5 |
| 14 | Mason Massey | 26.3 |
| 15 | Matt DiBenedetto | 26 |
| 16 | William Sawalich | 25.8 |
| 17 | Taylor Gray | 24.2 |
| 18 | Connor Zilisch | 22 |
| 19 | Harrison Burton | 21.6 |
| 20 | Garrett Smithley | 21 |
Conversely, Group B is led by Ryan Ellis, tied with Garrett Smithley from Group A, each with a 21.000 score. The group features prominent names like Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell, whose scores highlight variability in performance potential.
Group B
| No. | Driver Name | Score |
| 1 | Ryan Ellis | 21 |
| 2 | Blaine Perkins | 20.8 |
| 3 | Brandon Jones | 19.9 |
| 4 | Chase Elliott | 18.9 |
| 5 | Josh Williams | 17.6 |
| 6 | Carson Kvapil | 17 |
| 7 | Jeremy Clements | 16.4 |
| 8 | Kris Wright | 15.6 |
| 9 | Parker Retzlaff | 15.6 |
| 10 | Jeb Burton | 11 |
| 11 | Christopher Bell | 10.3 |
| 12 | Dean Thompson | 10.2 |
| 13 | Sammy Smith | 9.1 |
| 14 | Daniel Dye | 8.5 |
| 15 | Ryan Sieg | 8.3 |
| 16 | Brennan Poole | 8.2 |
| 17 | Sam Mayer | 4.1 |
| 18 | Sheldon Creed | 2.9 |
| 19 | Justin Allgaier | 2.4 |
| 20 | Austin Hill | 1.6 |
The distribution of scores down to Austin Hill at 1.600 reveals tactical opportunities for drivers to optimize their approach amid the intense, skill-based environment of Darlington Raceway.
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News in Brief: Top Drivers Clash in NASCAR’s Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero 200
The Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 at Darlington promises an exhilarating display as top drivers prepare to compete following a carefully arranged qualifying event. This qualifying session, organized by groups, has tactically set the stage for a fiercely competitive race day.
With each driver having previously showcased their skill, the anticipation builds around who will emerge victorious. The event’s organized format guarantees a fair and challenging environment, heightening the stakes for these skilled competitors.
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