Kyle Larson Bristol qualifying performance put him in a strong position as the NASCAR Cup Series gears up for the first round playoff finale at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night. With Hendrick Motorsports securing all four starting spots, Larson leads his teammates after an impressive qualifying lap.
Hendrick Motorsports drivers make their mark in Bristol lineup
Larson posted a lap time of 15.142 seconds, giving him the fifth starting position and the top spot among his organization. William Byron followed close behind, qualifying seventh after turning in a 15.206-second lap, while Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott rounded out the Hendrick contingent in 15th and 16th positions, respectively. This Saturday, all eyes will be on the famed Thunder Valley circuit, as Bristol Motor Speedway serves as the high-stakes backdrop for the playoff cutoff event.
Playoff scenarios for Hendrick’s four drivers
Heading into Saturday’s event, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Elliott hold comfortable points advantages above the playoff cutline. Larson, with a 60-point cushion, has consistently led the field at Bristol, having commanded 862 out of 1,000 laps over recent races, including victories in both the spring event and last fall’s Round of 16 finale. William Byron and Chase Elliott sit at +39 and +28 points, respectively, reinforcing Hendrick’s strong presence.
Alex Bowman faces a tougher path. Sitting outside the cutline, he will need to overcome a 35-point deficit or secure a race victory to advance to the Round of 12. The pressure is on as the stakes rise for the remaining playoff spots in this crucial event.
Xfinity Series postseason opener follows qualifying
Friday’s track activity also included the start of the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs. Corey Day, fresh from his first career top-10 finish at WWT Raceway, qualified 17th for the opener after early practice and qualifying rounds. Enthusiasm continues to run high for the series as the next generation of drivers looks to make their mark at Bristol.
What’s at stake this weekend
With strong qualifying runs from Kyle Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports teammates, the organization is well-positioned for Saturday’s critical race. As the playoff field prepares to shrink and Bristol’s high banks await, every lap will matter in determining which drivers keep their championship hopes alive. Fans and teams alike are set for an intense night of racing at one of NASCAR’s most storied venues.
