The Monster Mile is back in action, and anticipation is already high. As the NASCAR Cup Series charges into its 21st points-paying race of the 2025 season, drivers and teams are preparing for a fast-paced showdown at Dover Motor Speedway. The legendary concrete oval will once again test grit, setups, and pure horsepower over 400 laps. With qualifying set to shape the grid, and Group A and B assignments confirmed, the field looks poised for one of the most unpredictable race weekends of the year.
Key Highlights
The 2025 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 will take place on Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. ET
Qualifying begins Saturday, July 19, at 2:45 p.m. ET after a practice session at 1:35 p.m.
Dover Motor Speedway, nicknamed “The Monster Mile,” is a one-mile concrete oval with steep 24-degree banking
The race will feature 37 drivers competing for the pole and eventual victory
JJ Yeley and Daniel Suarez will lead Groups A and B respectively in the qualifying order
Track Overview: A Monster to Conquer
Dover Motor Speedway is unlike any other on the Cup Series calendar. Its abrasive concrete surface and narrow racing groove demand precision and nerve, especially during qualifying where fractions of a second can separate front-runners from mid-pack stragglers. With its 24-degree banking in the turns and 9-degree incline on the straights, drivers must trust their cars and their instincts. Since debuting in 1969, the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 has tested the mettle of NASCAR’s elite, and 2025 will be no exception. This is the lone Cup appearance at Dover this season, raising stakes and sharpening focus for every team. Practice and qualifying on Saturday will be critical in setting the tone for Sunday’s 400-lap battle.
Full Qualifying Order Revealed
FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass released the full qualifying lineup for the weekend, dividing the 37-car field into two groups. This qualifying format, used at most intermediate and short tracks, ensures a level playing field by organizing cars based on a metric score that factors in performance from previous races.
Group A will begin with JJ Yeley in the No. 44 leading the charge, followed by a diverse mix of young talent and veterans. Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, and Bubba Wallace are among the more prominent names hoping to lock down a strong starting spot early. Notably, Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith, part of the youth movement shaking up the 2025 Cup season, are also included here.
Group B sees Daniel Suarez up first for Trackhouse Racing. Heavyweights like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano are slotted deeper in the order, indicating a tight battle is expected. William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Christopher Bell—all capable of grabbing the pole—will have to put together perfect laps under pressure.
“Qualifying at Dover is all about rhythm. One slip, and your lap is gone. But get it right, and you’re set for the weekend.” – Brad Keselowski
Here is the complete qualifying order as announced:
Group A:
| Car No. | Driver |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ross Chastain |
| 2 | Austin Cindric |
| 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 4 | Noah Gragson |
| 5 | Kyle Larson |
| 7 | Justin Haley |
| 10 | Ty Dillon |
| 12 | Ryan Blaney |
| 23 | Bubba Wallace |
| 34 | Todd Gilliland |
| 35 | Riley Herbst |
| 38 | Zane Smith |
| 41 | Cole Custer |
| 42 | John Hunter Nemechek |
| 43 | Erik Jones |
| 44 | J.J. Yeley |
| 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
| 51 | Cody Ware |
| 77 | Carson Hocevar |
Group B:
| Car No. | Driver |
|---|---|
| 6 | Brad Keselowski |
| 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 9 | Chase Elliott |
| 11 | Denny Hamlin |
| 16 | A.J. Allmendinger |
| 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 20 | Christopher Bell |
| 21 | Josh Berry |
| 22 | Joey Logano |
| 24 | William Byron |
| 45 | Tyler Reddick |
| 48 | Alex Bowman |
| 54 | Ty Gibbs |
| 60 | Ryan Preece |
| 71 | Michael McDowell |
| 88 | Shane van Gisbergen |
| 99 | Daniel Suárez |
Names to Watch on the Mile
As the drivers hit the track, some names are already rising in anticipation. Kyle Larson, consistently one of the best qualifiers in the Cup Series, is expected to be a major threat. Ty Gibbs and Zane Smith, two of the sport’s youngest rising stars, have shown speed and poise in recent races. Chase Elliott, still seeking a return to victory lane in 2025, enters with momentum following a strong top-five finish last week.
With only 37 drivers entered, all competitors will make the race—shifting qualifying’s importance to track position rather than survival. That said, where a driver starts at Dover can dictate race strategy and tire conservation, especially with green-flag runs historically playing a big role here.
Broadcast and Weekend Schedule
Fans can catch all the action live on TNT Sports, which is continuing its NASCAR broadcast run throughout the summer. Saturday’s schedule features practice at 1:35 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 2:45 p.m. ET. The main event—the 2025 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400—goes green on Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. ET.
The weekend also includes races from the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, giving fans a packed slate of racing. For teams, it’s a chance to tune setups and gain more track data. For drivers, it’s about executing one of the most physically demanding weekends on the schedule.
News in Brief: Qualifying Order Set for 2025 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400
Dover Motor Speedway is set for an exciting weekend with the 56th annual Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 headlining Sunday’s schedule. With 37 drivers ready to qualify, JJ Yeley and Daniel Suarez will lead off their respective groups during Saturday’s session. Practice and qualifying will be critical in determining starting positions at this demanding one-mile track known as the Monster Mile. Fans can watch all events live on TNT Sports, including support races from ARCA and Xfinity Series across the weekend. The 2025 Cup Series continues its charge toward the playoffs, and Dover could shake up the standings.
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