Josh Bilicki and Erik Jones took the top spots in qualifying, while several favorites struggled on the short, tricky oval at Bristol Motor Speedway. The 0.533-mile track created unexpected problems, shaking up the qualifying order. With 39 drivers battling for position, each score carried big weight. What seemed like a routine day turned into something much bigger. The results could change how teams approach the race—and who ends up in front when it matters most.
Key Highlights
- Josh Bilicki led Group A qualifying with a metric score of 41.600, surprising many top contenders.
- Erik Jones emerged as Group B’s top qualifier, achieving a score of 20.300.
- Qualifying results revealed a shakeup, with several high-profile drivers underperforming.
- The challenging Bristol track’s unique characteristics contributed to unexpected struggles for many racers.
- The qualifying shakeup has set the stage for unpredictable race strategies and outcomes.
Event Overview
The Food City 500, taking place at the renowned Bristol Motor Speedway, is an exemplary event for NASCAR enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados likewise.
Scheduled for April 13, this 500-lap contest marks the ninth race of the season, drawing attention to its 0.533-mile concrete oval known for challenging banking angles—from 24 to 28 degrees in turns and 4 to 8 degrees on straights.
This year’s race features 39 drivers, with practice and qualifying sessions tactically planned on April 12.
Only one gladiator can leave victorious at The Last Great Colosseum. 🏟️
SUNDAY | 3 p.m. ET | FS1 pic.twitter.com/hRCjlfdLU1
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 9, 2025
Bristol Motor Speedway’s dual role extends beyond the Cup Series, also hosting Xfinity and Truck Series races, enhancing its prestigious racing significance.
Qualifying Order Details
Qualifying order details for the 2025 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway emerge as a crucial aspect of the event’s build-up, impacting both tactics and fan expectations.
The qualifying session promises to be a spectacle, with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass revealing the structured order that sets the stage for competition. In Group A, Josh Bilicki from Garage 66 takes the initial position, an opportunity to set the pace early in the session.
Practice groups and qualifying orders for Bristol: pic.twitter.com/RccvZyQ4Dd
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 9, 2025
Meanwhile, Group B is led by Erik Jones, representing Legacy Motor Club, who will look to utilize his starting position to secure a competitive advantage.
This tactical layout is essential, as it can greatly influence the drivers’ approach to the high-stakes race. Each competitor’s placement not only affects their immediate qualifying strategy but also their broader race-day tactics, as they navigate Bristol Motor Speedway’s notoriously challenging circuit.
Full Qualifying Order
Bristol Motor Speedway’s full qualifying order for the 2025 Food City 500 reveals a carefully structured lineup, directly influencing the tactical framework each driver will employ.
In Group A, Josh Bilicki leads with a metric score of 41.600, followed closely by Corey LaJoie at 40.700. Jesse Love and Riley Herbst both registered scores of 34.000, indicating a competitive edge. Remarkably, seasoned driver Brad Keselowski scored 32.400, while emerging talents like Josh Berry and Carson Hocevar posted 31.500 and 31.400, respectively.
| Driver | Metric Score |
| Josh Bilicki | 41.6 |
| Corey LaJoie | 40.7 |
| Jesse Love | 34 |
| Riley Herbst | 34 |
| Brad Keselowski | 32.4 |
| Josh Berry | 31.5 |
| Carson Hocevar | 31.4 |
| Cody Ware | 29.7 |
| Kyle Larson | 27.7 |
| Alex Bowman | 27.5 |
| John Hunter Nemechek | 27 |
| Cole Custer | 25.9 |
| Michael McDowell | 25.7 |
| Justin Haley | 25.5 |
| Austin Dillon | 24.2 |
| Martin Truex Jr. | 24.1 |
| Shane van Gisbergen | 23.9 |
| Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 23.2 |
| Noah Gragson | 22.9 |
| Ryan Preece | 22.4 |
Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman, although further down, maintain potential tactical positions.
Conversely, Group B is led by Erik Jones with a score of 20.300, marking a crucial contrast to Group A’s leading performance.
| Driver | Metric Score |
| Erik Jones | 20.3 |
| Ty Dillon | 18.7 |
| Daniel Suarez | 17.7 |
| AJ Allmendinger | 17.7 |
| Bubba Wallace | 17.1 |
| Todd Gilliland | 16.7 |
| Zane Smith | 15 |
| Ty Gibbs | 14.1 |
| Kyle Busch | 11.8 |
| Joey Logano | 11.8 |
| Austin Cindric | 11.3 |
| Ross Chastain | 8.8 |
| Chris Buescher | 7.5 |
| Chase Elliott | 6.8 |
| Ryan Blaney | 5.6 |
| Tyler Reddick | 4.3 |
| Christopher Bell | 3 |
| William Byron | 1.7 |
| Denny Hamlin | 1.3 |
Significant drivers like Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, both at 11.800, face a challenging starting position. Daniel Suarez and AJ Allmendinger, tied at 17.700, further exemplify the tight competition within this group.
News in Brief: Food City 500 Qualifying Shakeup
The Food City 500 qualifying session at Bristol proved to be unexpectedly tumultuous, with several top contenders facing challenges that disrupted the anticipated hierarchy. The shakeup in qualifying order has set the stage for a highly competitive race, as drivers who typically secure front positions now find themselves traversing the complexities of mid-pack starting spots. This unexpected turn of events promises to add a layer of unpredictability to the race, potentially altering strategies and outcomes for teams and drivers similarly.
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