William Byron locked in the top spot at Darlington Raceway, but the challenge is far from over. Ryan Preece is right behind him. With top drivers, tricky turns, and a rough track ahead, every move could make or break the race. The next chapter of the Goodyear 400 is about to unfold on one of NASCAR’s most difficult tracks. What happens after the green flag waves remains a question only race day can answer.
Key Highlights
- William Byron claimed pole position for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway with a lap time of 28.774.
- Ryan Preece secured the second spot, showcasing a strong performance during qualifying.
- The starting lineup features a mix of top contenders, seasoned veterans, and rising talent.
- Diverse grid includes drivers from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, promising a competitive race.
- Tire management and track mastery are expected to be crucial for success at Darlington Raceway.
The Goodyear 400
In a display of precision and speed, William Byron claimed the pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, delivering a blistering lap time of 28.774 moments during Saturday’s qualifying session. This achievement is a testament to Byron’s skill, showcasing his ability to navigate the challenging track with impeccable talent.
Darlington, known for its unique oval shape and “Too Tough to Tame” reputation, demands a perfect blend of aggression and finesse. Byron’s performance placed him ahead of Ryan Preece, a rising contender from RFK Racing, whose own impressive efforts fell short by mere fractions of a moment.
Preece, aiming for his fourth-consecutive top-10 finish, exhibited remarkable consistency and tenacity. His pursuit of excellence reflects the competitive spirit that defines NASCAR racing.
The stage is set for a gripping contest as these drivers, each a master in their own right, prepare to battle fiercely on race day.
Darlington Raceway
Despite its origins as a humble dirt track in 1950, Darlington Raceway has evolved into one of the most iconic venues in NASCAR history, renowned for its demanding layout and storied past. Known affectionately as “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” its unique egg-shaped design challenges drivers with asymmetrical turns, requiring both tactical finesse and raw talent.
The Goodyear 400, the eighth race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, continues this legacy, testing competitors with its narrow racing groove and abrasive surface that demands tire management mastery.
The raceway’s history is steeped in motorsport lore, hosting legendary battles that have defined careers and etched unforgettable moments into NASCAR’s annals. With its annual springtime event, Darlington remains a pivotal test for drivers and teams, where mastering its intricacies often separates the contenders from the pretenders.
Full Starting Lineup
As the engines roar to life at Darlington Raceway, fans enthusiastically anticipate the unfolding drama of the Goodyear 400. The starting lineup is a mosaic of competitive history and emerging talent, headlined by pole-sitter William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports, driving a formidable Chevrolet.
| Pos | Car | Driver |
| 1 | 24 | William Byron |
| 2 | 60 | Ryan Preece |
| 3 | 11 | Denny Hamlin |
| 4 | 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 5 | 23 | Bubba Wallace |
| 6 | 2 | Austin Cindric |
| 7 | 45 | Tyler Reddick |
| 8 | 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 9 | 12 | Ryan Blaney |
| 10 | 71 | |
| 11 | 54 | Ty Gibbs |
| 12 | 34 | Todd Gilliland |
| 13 | 77 | Carson Hocevar |
| 14 | 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 15 | 9 | Chase Elliott |
| 16 | 38 | Zane Smith |
| 17 | 20 | Christopher Bell |
| 18 | 22 | Joey Logano |
| 19 | 5 | Kyle Larson |
| 20 | 6 | |
| 21 | 7 | Justin Haley |
| 22 | 16 | AJ Allmendinger |
| 23 | 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 24 | 21 | Josh Berry |
| 25 | 1 | Ross Chastain |
| 26 | 4 | Noah Gragson |
| 27 | 42 | |
| 28 | 47 | |
| 29 | 10 | Ty Dillon |
| 30 | 99 | Daniel Suarez |
| 31 | 41 | Cole Custer |
| 32 | 35 | Riley Herbst |
| 33 | 48 | Alex Bowman |
| 34 | 43 | Erik Jones |
| 35 | 51 | Cody Ware |
| 36 | 88 | |
| 37 | 33 | Austin Hill |
| 38 | 44 | JJ Yeley |
Not far behind is Ryan Preece with RFK Racing, representing Ford, breathing down Byron’s neck in hopes of seizing early control.
The lineup reflects a diverse grid, with manufacturers Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota all vying for supremacy. The presence of seasoned competitors like Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace promises an exciting race, while newcomers such as Carson Hocevar bring fresh energy to the storied track.
- Top Contenders: William Byron, Ryan Preece, Denny Hamlin
- Rising Talent: Ty Gibbs, Zane Smith, Carson Hocevar
- Veteran Watch: Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski
News in Brief: Full Starting Grid for Darlington Released
In an exciting convergence of speed and strategy, the NASCAR Goodyear 400 promises an enthralling contest as William Byron and Ryan Preece spearhead the lineup. This event, steeped in motorsport history, echoes the legacy of past racing greats, offering fans a riveting narrative of rivalry and resilience. As engines roar and the green flag waves, the stage is set for a race that not only tests the limits of performance but also celebrates the enduring spirit of NASCAR.
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