Taylor Gray captured pole position for the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on Saturday, highlighting a significant race weekend that also marks the final event for Our Motorsports, which will discontinue operations after the contest. The events set an emotional tone for drivers, teams, and fans as they brace for a weekend of competitive intensity and transitions in the racing world.
Taylor Gray Surges to Pole at Dover After Early Challenges
Returning to oval racing after two road course appearances, Taylor Gray made a striking comeback at Dover Motor Speedway. In early practice, Gray and the No. 54 Toyota ranked 29th, but diligent car adjustments propelled him to deliver a blistering qualifying lap at 152.685 mph, edging out Nick Sanchez, who will start in the second position with a speed of 152.072 mph. This achievement gave Gray his third career pole and his first since racing at Charlotte in May.
The top five qualifiers rounding out the front of the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetRivers 200 lineup included Connor Zilisch, Brandon Jones, and Ross Chastain. Each brought impressive performances, with Zilisch posting a speed of 151.560 mph, Jones close behind at 151.477 mph and Chastain at 151.343 mph.
After his impressive qualifying run, Gray spoke with energy about his team‘s progress.
“I’m super proud of the turnaround.”
—Taylor, Driver
Our Motorsports to End Operations After Dover Finale
Just days before the race, Our Motorsports made the difficult announcement that it would shut down its NASCAR program following the BetRivers 200. The team, which recently replaced Kris Wright with Kaz Grala, struggled throughout the season and currently sits 36th in the owner standings, with Wright ranked 29th in the drivers’ points race.
The team issued a statement saying,
“Our Motorsports will cease operations in NASCAR racing moving forward,”
and added,
“Thank you to NASCAR, Chevrolet, the fans, employees, and drivers, for a good ride over the last 6 years.”
Kaz Grala, who will compete in the final race with the team, expressed his thanks ahead of the finale:
“Grateful that @OurMotorsports reached out and wanted to race together this weekend as they close this chapter as a team. We’re gonna give it all we’ve got to cap things off on a high note tomorrow! 👊🏻 I appreciate @LEGACYMotorClub and @ToyotaRacing for letting me take any…”
—Kaz Grala, Driver
Dover’s Official Starting Order for BetRivers 200
The official starting grid for the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway features talented drivers and brings anticipation for fans. Here is the full starting lineup:
1. Taylor Gray, No. 54 Toyota
2. Nick Sanchez, No. 48 Chevrolet
3. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet
4. Brandon Jones, No. 20 Toyota
5. Ross Chastain, No. 9 Chevrolet
6. Aric Almirola, No. 19 Toyota
7. Justin Allgaier, No. 7 Chevrolet
8. William Sawalich, No. 18 Toyota
9. Harrison Burton, No. 25 Ford
10. Jeb Burton, No. 27 Chevrolet
11. Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Ford
12. Jesse Love, No. 2 Chevrolet
13. Same Mayer, No. 41 Ford
14. Carson Kvapil, No. 1 Chevrolet
15. Austin Hill, No. 21 Chevrolet
16. Rajah Caruth, No. 32 Chevrolet
17. Sammy Smith, No. 8 Chevrolet
18. Matt DiBenedetto, No. 99 Chevrolet
19. Ryan Sieg, No. 39 Ford
20. Dean Thompson, No. 26 Toyota
21. Jake Finch, No. 17 Chevrolet
22. Lavar Scott, No. 45 Chevrolet
23. Brennan Poole, No. 44 Chevrolet
24. Blaine Perkins, No. 31 Chevrolet
25. Leland Honeyman, No. 70 Chevrolet
26. Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 Chevrolet
27. Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Chevrolet
28. Jeremy Clements, No. 51 Chevrolet
29. Josh Williams, No. 11 Chevrolet
30. Daniel Dye, No. 10 Chevrolet
31. Christian Eckes, No. 16 Chevrolet
32. Ryan Truex, No. 24 Toyota
33. Josh Bilicki, No. 91 Chevrolet
34. Ryan Ellis, No. 71 Chevrolet
35. Kyle Sieg, No. 28 Ford
36. Kaz Grala, No. 5 Chevrolet
37. Garrett Smithley, No. 14 Chevrolet
38. Nick Leitz, No. 07 Chevrolet
The drivers who did not qualify for this event include Glen Reen in the No. 35 and David Starr in the No. 53.
In a moment of celebration, the team remarked,
“An emotional @LavarScott after locking himself into his first career @NASCAR_Xfinity Series start. He will be the highest starting Alpha Prime Racing driver this afternoon.”
—Alpha Prime Racing, Team
What This Weekend Means for Teams and Fans
The NASCAR Xfinity Series BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway is more than just another race; it stands as a pivotal moment for teams and their supporters. With Taylor Gray earning pole position after overcoming early struggles, optimism surrounds both him and his No. 54 Toyota team. Meanwhile, Our Motorsports signals the end of its storied six-year journey, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of the sport and the challenges that come with sustaining a racing operation.
The event also provides a stage for emerging talent like Lavar Scott of Alpha Prime Racing, as well as experienced drivers such as Ross Chastain, Brandon Jones, and Aric Almirola. Fans and participants alike approach the event knowing it represents both exciting competition and a farewell to a respected team in the garage. As drivers line up on Saturday, the race promises high emotion and fierce racing as the season continues to unfold at Dover.
