William Byron secured the William Byron Martinsville pole for the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway with an impressive performance during qualifying on October 25. Byron’s pole run sets him up for a critical start in tomorrow’s race, as he looks to overcome significant challenges this season.
Byron Leads the Field with Strong Qualifying Lap
Driving the No. 24 car for Hendrick Motorsports, Byron clocked the fastest lap of the session at 98.185 mph. With this effort, he thwarted formidable attempts by Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Joey Logano, capturing his third pole of the 2025 season and his first ever at the renowned Martinsville track, often called “the Paperclip.”
Byron’s pole position arrives at a crucial point, given his need for strong finishes as the season approaches its conclusion. His qualifying speed outpaced rivals, demonstrating veteran poise and a well-timed boost for both himself and Hendrick Motorsports.
Top Competitors and Starting Lineup
William Byron will start from the front row alongside Ty Gibbs, who impressed with a quick lap in the early stages of qualifying. Filling out the remainder of the top five are Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Denny Hamlin. Further down the grid, Cole Custer delivered a determined run for the Haas Factory Team, landing the sixth position, just ahead of Kyle Busch in seventh.
Rounding out the top ten are Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe, and Austin Cindric. The situation is especially tense for Elliott, as he faces a must-win scenario to stay in contention for his second series title with only two races left in the season.
What’s Next for the Cup Series at Martinsville?
The Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway is set for Sunday, October 26, at 2 p.m. ET, broadcast live on NBC. This race serves as the penultimate challenge of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, raising the stakes for Byron, Elliott, and the rest of the field vying for a spot in the championship finale.
The outcome at Martinsville not only influences the championship picture but also underlines the significance of strong qualifying runs, especially for drivers and teams facing uphill battles as the season reaches its climax. All eyes will be on William Byron and the rest of the top starters as they battle for critical points and momentum at one of NASCAR’s most historic venues.
