Talladega Superspeedway brought a huge moment for Zane Smith and Front Row Motorsports. With one fast lap, history was made. A strong lineup is set for the Jack Link’s 500, and some big names are farther back than expected. As the green flag nears, tensions are rising. One team’s hard work is paying off, while others face a tough climb. The race ahead promises excitement, but the full story behind this pole win goes deeper than the headline.
Key Highlights
- Zane Smith secured his first NASCAR Cup Series pole at Talladega with a 52.565-second lap, reaching 182.174 mph.
- The pole win marked Front Row Motorsports’ eighth and the first for the No. 38 team since 2014.
- Smith’s previous best starting position was seventh at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
- Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, and Ryan Preece followed Smith in qualifying, placing second, third, and fourth.
- The Jack Link’s 500 race is scheduled for April 27, broadcasted on FOX at 3:00 PM ET.
Zane Smith’s Pole Win and Front Row Motorsports’ Success
Front Row Motorsports showcased its competitive edge at Talladega Superspeedway as Zane Smith clinched his initial pole in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Driving the No. 38 TitleMax-sponsored Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Smith recorded an impressive lap time of 52.565 seconds, reaching a speed of 182.174 mph, securing the top qualifying position for the Jack Link’s 500.
This marked a crucial milestone for the Huntington Beach, California-native, surpassing his previous best starting position of seventh at Atlanta Motor Speedway earlier in the year.
His achievement contributes to Front Row Motorsports‘ legacy, marking their eighth pole in the NASCAR Cup Series. Remarkably, it is the primary pole for the No. 38 team since David Gilliland’s 2014 performance at Daytona.
Smith attributes this success to the exceptional efficiency of the Front Row Motorsports team and the speed of his Ford, underscoring the team’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in the competitive racing arena.
Michael McDowell’s Past Success and Zane Smith’s Excitement
Building on the legacy of Front Row Motorsports, Michael McDowell’s previous achievements provide a solid foundation for the team’s current success. His impressive record of securing six poles last season, especially at the superspeedways of Daytona, Atlanta, and Talladega, highlights his skill and contributes to the team’s notable reputation. This history of performance not only sets a benchmark for excellence but also fuels confidence within the team.
Zane Smith’s excitement is evident as he acknowledges the team’s relentless hard work. Expressing enthusiasm, Smith remarked, “Just a huge shoutout to all of these guys, they’ve been doing an awesome job this year.” As he prepares for the long race ahead, Smith’s optimism is enhanced by a prime starting position, reflecting the team’s tactical and mechanical insight.
Top Ten Qualifiers for the Jack Link’s 500
The top ten qualifiers for the Jack Link’s 500 showcase a lineup of skilled drivers, each poised to make an impact at Talladega.
Zane Smith, commanding attention with his remarkable performance, secured the pole position, setting the stage for an electrifying race. Alongside him, seasoned driver Kyle Busch, the 2023 Spring Talladega victor, will start from the alternate spot in his No. 8 NicoKick Chevrolet.
Defending champion Joey Logano clinched tertiary, tying lap times with Ryan Preece, who claims the fourth position.
Austin Dillon’s consistent skill on superspeedways continues, as he secures the fifth spot for Richard Childress Racing in his No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / Winchester Chevrolet.
Chris Buescher follows in sixth, with Austin Cindric, Josh Berry, Ryan Blaney, and Ty Gibbs completing the top ten. Each driver brings their unique strengths to the grid, promising an exhilarating competition.
Other Notables and Race Information
Amid a competitive field, several notable drivers missed advancing to the final round of qualifying for the Jack Link’s 500. Christopher Bell narrowly missed the cut, securing the 11th position, while Denny Hamlin and William Byron settled for 13th and 16th, respectively.
Chase Briscoe, the DAYTONA 500 polesitter, placed 17th. Not far behind, Alex Bowman, Bubba Wallace, and Brad Keselowski occupied the 18th, 20th, and 22nd spots. Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick struggled, ending up 25th and 26th.
Meanwhile, Chase Elliott found himself in 30th, with Ross Chastain rounding out the list in 32nd.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., last fall’s Talladega winner, surprisingly qualified 35th, while Justin Haley, adapting to a crew chief change, ended in 37th. JJ Yeley recorded the slowest time.
The Jack Link’s 500 is set for Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 PM ET, broadcasted on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
News in Brief: Zane Smith Talladega Pole Win
Zane Smith’s impressive pole win at Talladega marks a notable achievement for Front Row Motorsports, showcasing their growing skill in the competitive racing world. With Michael McDowell’s past successes paving the way, Smith’s excitement signals a promising future for the team. As the Jack Link’s 500 approaches, the top ten qualifiers prepare for an intense battle on the track. This stunning performance not only raises Smith’s career but also solidifies Front Row Motorsports’ reputation in NASCAR.
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