Tyler Reddick wins Charlotte pole after a strong lap during Saturday’s qualifying, placing him at the front for Sunday’s Cup playoff elimination race at the Charlotte Roval in Concord, N.C. Reddick, currently 29 points behind the cutline, now has a prime starting spot as he seeks his first victory of the 2024 season.
Reddick Secures Second Pole of the Season
Reddick achieved the fastest qualifying time with a lap speed of 95.510 mph on the challenging 2.28-mile, 17-turn Charlotte Roval course. This marks his second pole this season, with his previous coming at Circuit of the Americas in March, where he finished third. Despite his consistent front-row performances, Reddick continues his pursuit of a first win in 2024, adding anticipation to his playoff hopes.
Strong Contenders Flock to the Front Row
Shane van Gisbergen will begin alongside Reddick after a qualifying lap of 95.474 mph. Van Gisbergen, who has started in the front row for five consecutive road course races and claimed victory in the four previous, remains a significant threat. Ty Gibbs, setting a time of 95.265 mph, will start third, followed by Kyle Larson in fourth at 95.103 mph. Filling out the top six, Chris Buescher starts fifth after posting a 94.912 mph, with Michael McDowell taking sixth with a lap of 94.812 mph.
Playoff Implications for Notable Drivers
The battle for playoff positions is prominent, with Joey Logano, holder of the final Round of 8 transfer spot, starting further back in 17th. Ross Chastain, the first driver below the cutline and trailing Logano by 13 points, will begin the race from 10th position, keeping him in the mix. Other drivers below the elimination line include Bubba Wallace, who starts 12th, and Austin Cindric, lining up 19th. Their qualifying spots add intrigue to Sunday’s playoff race.
What to Expect from the Race
Pre-race coverage will commence at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, building anticipation for the critical playoff elimination event. With drivers such as Reddick, van Gisbergen, Ty Gibbs, Kyle Larson, and others competing for advancement, the intense qualifying sets the stage for a pivotal race at Charlotte Roval. The outcome will influence the trajectory of Reddick’s season and impact each contender’s championship aspirations as the Round of 8 approaches.
