The NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup is set for the upcoming race at World Wide Technology Raceway, near Downtown St. Louis, Missouri, as Denny Hamlin secured pole position after a commanding qualifying session. He posted the fastest time with a 32.330-second lap and an average speed of 139.190 mph, setting the stage for an intense competition on the 1.25-mile track.
Qualifying Highlights and How the Lineup Was Decided
Practice and qualifying sessions unfolded with top drivers vying for the prime starting spots. Denny Hamlin emerged ahead of a competitive pack, with Kyle Larson taking the second spot with a 32.351-second lap, and Ross Chastain close behind in third at 32.408 seconds. Ryan Blaney, with a 32.432-second effort, and William Byron at 32.467 seconds, filled out the top five starting positions. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as each lap time shifted the order and heightened the upcoming race’s stakes.
Notably, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Austin Cindric were among those who secured a spot within the top ten, emphasizing their strong performance in qualifying. Rookies and rising talents such as Zane Smith and Josh Berry also landed coveted spots near the front, underlining the depth of the competitive field. Other seasoned drivers, including Ty Gibbs, Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano, positioned themselves strategically in the lineup, ensuring a challenging contest for all participants.
Complete NASCAR Cup Series Starting Lineup for St. Louis
Here is the full starting order based on the qualifying results at World Wide Technology Raceway:
1. Denny Hamlin – 32.330
2. Kyle Larson – 32.351
3. Ross Chastain – 32.408
4. Ryan Blaney – 32.432
5. William Byron – 32.467
6. Tyler Reddick – 32.501
7. Christopher Bell – 32.512
8. Austin Cindric – 32.571
9. Chase Briscoe – 32.650
10. Zane Smith – 32.674
11. Chris Buescher – 32.689
12. Josh Berry – 32.698
13. Joey Logano – 32.719
14. Bubba Wallace – 32.739
15. Austin Dillon – 32.757
16. Erik Jones – 32.760
17. AJ Allmendinger – 32.764
18. Shane van Gisbergen – 32.765
19. Chase Elliott – 32.799
20. John Hunter Nemechek – 32.852
21. Ty Gibbs – 32.889
22. Kyle Busch – 32.952
23. Brad Keselowski – 32.957
24. Noah Gragson – 32.993
25. Alex Bowman – 33.005
26. Daniel Suarez – 33.038
27. Carson Hocevar – 33.133
28. Michael McDowell – 33.197
29. Cole Custer – 33.201
30. Todd Gilliland – 33.230
31. Justin Haley – 33.252
32. Ryan Preece – 33.282
33. Riley Herbst – 33.417
34. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – 33.538
35. Ty Dillon – 33.635
36. Cody Ware – 33.650
Second Qualifying Session and Additional Details
A subsequent round of timed laps saw Ty Gibbs record a leading 32.898-second lap, with Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski finishing the session in second and third positions respectively. This session demonstrated the depth of talent throughout the field, as drivers like Carson Hocevar, Todd Gilliland, and Cole Custer showcased strong qualifying runs. Michael McDowell and Zane Smith rounded out notable performances, with established names like John Hunter Nemechek and Ricky Stenhouse Jr maintaining competitive form.
The array of top contenders—including Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, William Byron, and Ross Chastain—ensures that race day will feature both strategic racing and high-speed action. Each lap time highlights the razor-thin margins separating the drivers and hints at the competitive drama expected during the main event.
What to Expect as the Race Unfolds
The starting grid at World Wide Technology Raceway combines veterans like Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, and Austin Dillon with fast-rising young drivers such as Josh Berry, Zane Smith, and Ty Gibbs. Their starting positions may prove crucial as teams adjust strategies according to track conditions and rivals’ tactics. Fans at the St. Louis venue can anticipate an emotionally charged contest as these talented drivers battle for victory in the latest chapter of the NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup.
As the engines roar to life and the green flag waves, all eyes will be on Denny Hamlin and his challengers as they compete for both championship points and the prestige of winning at this historic Missouri track.
