YellaWood 500 2024 Qualifying Order: The 2024 YellaWood 50, a NASCAR CUP Series Race, promises to be a pivotal event in the NASCAR calendar, with AJ Allmendinger securing the pole position thanks to a remarkable metric score of 41.700. This weekend’s race at Talladega Superspeedway will feature a diverse lineup, including prominent contenders like BJ McLeod and Anthony Alfredo, each bringing their unique strategies to the track. As teams finalize their preparations, the anticipation surrounding key matchups and potential surprises is tangible.
Key Highlights
- The YellaWood 500 takes place on October 6 at Talladega Superspeedway, a pivotal race in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
- Qualifying will occur on October 5 at 1:30 p.m. ET, determining the starting positions for the race.
- AJ Allmendinger secured the pole position with a metric score of 41.700, leading the starting lineup.
- Other top qualifiers include BJ McLeod, Anthony Alfredo, JJ Yeley, and Cody Ware, setting the stage for a competitive race.
- The qualifying results will significantly influence race strategies, adding to the excitement of the weekend’s events.
Event Overview
The anticipation builds as the Talladega Superspeedway prepares to host the 56th annual YellaWood 500, a hallmark event in the NASCAR calendar. Scheduled for Sunday, October 6, this race marks the fifth playoff contest of the season and the third race of the Round of 12, signaling a critical juncture for competitors vying for the championship. The event promises to be an exciting 500-mile spectacle that showcases the high-speed excitement synonymous with NASCAR.
Located in Lincoln, Alabama, the Talladega Superspeedway is renowned for its impressive 2.66-mile-long tri-oval layout. This track, which has been a pivotal venue since hosting the inaugural YellaWood 500 in 1969, features a remarkable 33 degrees of banking in its turns, allowing for thrilling high-speed racing and tactical maneuvering.
The 16.5 degrees of banking on the tri-oval section further improves the competitive nature of the race, while the three degrees on the backstretch provide a unique challenge for drivers.
As drivers line up for this prestigious race, the stakes have never been higher. The YellaWood 500 not only serves as a test of skill and tactics but also as a potential turning point in the playoff standings.
Fans can expect an exciting display of speed, teamwork, and resilience, as the drivers navigate the complexities of one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks. With its rich history and thrilling atmosphere, the YellaWood 500 continues to capture the hearts of racing enthusiasts nationwide.
Race Weekend Schedule and Qualifying
As the excitement for the YellaWood 500 builds, fans and teams alike turn their attention to the race weekend schedule, which promises a full slate of action leading up to the main event. This year marks the alternate appearance of the Talladega Superspeedway on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar, enhancing the anticipation for what is recognized as one of the most exciting venues in motorsports.
Kicking off the weekend, the qualifying session will set the stage on Saturday, October 5, at 1:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted live on USA Network and NBC Sports. This qualifying event is critical, as it determines the starting positions for the YellaWood 500, the fifth race in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. With 40 drivers vying for a competitive edge, the session promises to be a high-stakes showcase of skill and strategy.
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In addition to the Cup Series, the weekend will also feature races from the Xfinity Series and Truck Series, providing further excitement for attendees and viewers alike. These events will enrich the overall experience, allowing fans to indulge in a variety of racing formats.
As teams prepare their strategies and drivers hone their skills, the tension builds, making the qualifying session a vital part of the weekend. The outcome will not only influence the starting grid but also set the tone for the race itself, underscoring the importance of every lap during this thrilling race weekend at Talladega.
Qualifying Order
With the qualifying session now complete, the order in which drivers will start the 2024 YellaWood 500 has been established, setting the stage for an exciting race at Talladega Superspeedway. The session featured intense competition, culminating in AJ Allmendinger securing the pole position with a metric score of 41.700. He will lead the field as they commence this high-stakes event.
Qualifying orders for Talladega. pic.twitter.com/TKBkP9Z4Qc
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 2, 2024
The qualifying order is vital in determining the tactical dynamics of the race. Following Allmendinger, BJ McLeod and Anthony Alfredo will start in second and third positions, respectively. Each driver’s position can greatly influence their race strategy, especially in a draft-dependent environment like Talladega.
| Position | Driver | Metric Score |
| 1 | AJ Allmendinger | 41.7 |
| 2 | BJ McLeod | 40.3 |
| 3 | Anthony Alfredo | 39.6 |
| 4 | JJ Yeley | 38.6 |
| 5 | Cody Ware | 36.75 |
| 6 | Josh Berry | 33.8 |
| 7 | Shane Van Gisbergen | 33.55 |
| 8 | Erik Jones | 32.3 |
| 9 | John Hunter Nemechek | 32.2 |
| 10 | Justin Haley | 30.15 |
| 11 | Michael McDowell | 26.4 |
| 12 | Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. | 26 |
| 13 | Daniel Hemric | 25.3 |
| 14 | Todd Gilliland | 25.3 |
| 15 | Carson Hocevar | 25.15 |
| 16 | Corey LaJoie | 22.7 |
| 17 | Harrison Burton | 21.6 |
| 18 | Noah Gragson | 21.3 |
| 19 | Ryan Preece | 19.45 |
| 20 | Austin Dillon | 18.8 |
| 21 | Zane Smith | 18.45 |
| 22 | Bubba Wallace | 18.3 |
| 23 | Brad Keselowski | 18.2 |
| 24 | Kyle Busch | 17.55 |
| 25 | Chris Buescher | 14.65 |
| 26 | Ty Gibbs | 7.8 |
| 27 | Martin Truex, Jr. | 7.6 |
| 28 | Ross Chastain | 7.05 |
| 29 | Austin Cindric (P) | 24.65 |
| 30 | Chase Briscoe (P) | 19.9 |
| 31 | Kyle Larson (P) | 18 |
| 32 | Tyler Reddick (P) | 17.15 |
| 33 | Daniel Suarez (P) | 12.4 |
| 34 | Chase Elliott (P) | 10.25 |
| 35 | Joey Logano (P) | 10.1 |
| 36 | Denny Hamlin (P) | 7.4 |
| 37 | Alex Bowman (P) | 6.45 |
| 38 | Christopher Bell (P) | 4.7 |
| 39 | Ryan Blaney (P) | 3.6 |
| 40 | William Byron (P) | 1.8 |
Here’s a glimpse of the top qualifiers:
| Position | Driver |
|---|---|
| 1 | AJ Allmendinger |
| 2 | BJ McLeod |
| 3 | Anthony Alfredo |
| 4 | JJ Yeley |
| 5 | Cody Ware |
As the race approaches, teams will analyze their starting positions to devise ideal strategies. The unpredictability of superspeedway racing means that every lap can change the narrative, and starting positions provide a foundation for the unfolding drama. Fans can relish the anticipation, knowing that each driver will be vying for supremacy, making the 2024 YellaWood 500 a must-watch event this weekend.
News in Brief: YellaWood 500 2024 Qualifying Order
The 2024 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway promises to deliver an exciting experience for fans and participants alike. With AJ Allmendinger securing the pole position, the race weekend is set to feature a competitive field, heightened strategy, and dynamic on-track action. As the playoff narrative unfolds, anticipation builds around how these skilled drivers will navigate the challenges of superspeedway racing. The outcome remains uncertain, ensuring an engaging event for all involved.
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