Chase Briscoe wins third consecutive NASCAR pole position after an impressive performance at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, making history with the fastest qualifying lap in the Next Gen car era. Briscoe secured the top starting spot with a 195.514 mph lap, further solidifying his place as one of the top drivers this season.
Briscoe’s Milestone Achievement in Michigan Qualifying
Briscoe, who had never started in the top 20 at Michigan International Speedway before this weekend, now stands out with four pole positions in the current NASCAR Cup Series season—more than any other driver. By earning his third straight pole, he follows in the footsteps of Kyle Larson, who accomplished the same feat in April 2024 at Richmond, Martinsville, and Texas. The achievement highlights a major turn in Briscoe’s qualifying record and puts him in rare company among recent competitors.
Briscoe Reflects on His Qualifying Streak
After his pole-winning run, Chase Briscoe expressed surprise and humility about his ongoing streak. He remarked,
“I would say this is definitely the least confident I’ve been going into the last three weeks,”
—Chase Briscoe, Driver.
Briscoe elaborated on the circumstances compared to previous weeks, saying,
“The last two weeks, at least we went out super late I think we’re the third or fourth last car out, which is typically an advantage. With us all running wide open, it’s not as big an advantage. Truthfully, I knew the Toyotas were going to be really good. I knew the No. 19 car has been good, but I didn’t I did not anticipate getting the pole, especially when we all started running wide open.”
—Chase Briscoe, Driver.
Other Leading Qualifiers and Notable Stories
Kyle Busch, currently holding the final playoff position, clinched a front-row start next to Briscoe with a lap at 195.371 mph, the second time this year he’ll begin a race on the front row. Denny Hamlin qualified third after a quick 195.328 mph, as he remains attentive to personal news—his return to North Carolina is possible any day as his fiancée Jordan Fish expects their third child. William Byron captured the fourth position with a speed of 195.238 mph, while Kyle Larson followed in fifth, continuing his strong performances from earlier in the season.
The Stage Is Set for Sunday’s Showdown
The action at Michigan International Speedway intensifies as the green flag is scheduled for 2:19 p.m. ET on Sunday, broadcast on Prime. With Chase Briscoe building momentum through a historic qualifying streak, and competitors like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and William Byron vying for crucial playoff points, the race is shaping up to have major implications for the season. As teams prepare for the main event, all eyes turn to see whether Briscoe can carry his pole-winning pace into victory lane or if rivals like Larson, Hamlin, or Busch can disrupt his streak.
