2024 Ambetter Health 302 Qualifying Order: The Ambetter Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is set to be a thrilling event featuring 38 drivers competing for essential Championship 4 spots. With a focus on critical factors such as tire wear and fuel management, teams will have to drive the 301-mile race tactically. Ryan Vargas leads the initial qualifying lap, clocking in at 41.350 seconds, closely followed by Daniel Dye and Joey Gase. As pre-race ceremonies ramp up excitement, the complexities of qualifying and driver strategies will shape the race.
Key Highlights
- The Ambetter Health 302 features 38 drivers competing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, emphasizing the importance of qualifying for track position.
- Ryan Vargas from Mike Harmon Racing led the initial qualifying lap with a time of 41.350 seconds.
- Daniel Dye and Joey Gase followed Vargas, indicating a competitive field among veterans and newcomers.
- Tire wear and fuel management will be crucial factors influencing the qualifying strategy and race outcome.
- The qualifying session takes place on Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET, right after the practice session.
Event Overview
As the engines rev up for the Ambetter Health 302, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling showdown at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This weekend marks the 30th race of the 2024 Xfinity Series season, and it holds considerable implications as the initial race of the Round of 8. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, this 301-mile contest is not just another race; it is a crucial point in the championship narrative.
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with its 1.5-mile quad-oval track, presents unique challenges that test drivers’ skill, strategy, and endurance. The track’s configuration allows for high-speed racing and multiple racing lines, creating opportunities for overtaking and tactical strategies. As 38 drivers prepare to compete, the stakes are higher than ever, with only a few races left in the season to secure a coveted spot in the Championship 4.
In this high-pressure event, teams will rely on carefully crafted setups and race strategies that account for tire wear, fuel management, and track position. These elements will be critical as drivers drive the subtleties of the track, from the sharp turns to the long straightaways.
As the green flag waves on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, fans can expect a blend of strategy, speed, and adrenaline, defining the essence of NASCAR racing. The Ambetter Health 302 promises not only to entertain but also to greatly shape the championship landscape as drivers compete for supremacy in this exhilarating series.
Race Weekend Schedule
Kicking off the race weekend, the schedule is packed with significant events that set the stage for the Ambetter Health 302. This weekend’s activities are not merely ceremonial; they play a key role in determining the dynamics of the race and the tactics that teams will employ throughout the event.
The weekend begins with a practice and qualifying session on Friday, where teams will refine their setups and drivers will familiarize themselves with the track conditions. This session is essential, as it directly influences the starting positions for the main event on Saturday. The defending champion, Riley Herbst of Stewart-Haas Racing, will certainly be looking to utilize his past success at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to gain a competitive edge.
The Round of 8 begins at @LVMotorSpeedway.
SATURDAY | 7 p.m. ET | @TheCW_Sports pic.twitter.com/L7Xtj1EZTM
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 16, 2024
Key events to watch include:
- Practice Session: Friday, 6:35 p.m. ET – A crucial time for teams to optimize their cars.
- Qualifying Session: Friday, 7:05 p.m. ET – Determines the starting grid for the race.
- Driver Briefings: Important discussions on race strategy and safety protocols.
- Pre-Race Ceremonies: Engaging fan opportunities that build excitement.
- Ambetter Health 302 Race: Saturday evening – The climax of the weekend’s efforts, where strategy meets speed.
Qualifying Order and Details
The qualifying order for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ambetter Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has been officially released, highlighting a diverse lineup of talent keen to secure their positions for the race. This year’s session promises to be competitive, with the initial lap being executed by Ryan Vargas from Mike Harmon Racing, setting the stage for a thrilling qualifying round.
Notably, the order reveals considerable insights into driver performances and team strategies. For example, Daniel Dye and Joey Gase follow closely behind Vargas, showing their readiness to capitalize on early track conditions.
Qualifying orders for Vegas: pic.twitter.com/mDSH6PVmVI
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 16, 2024
As the session progresses, we see a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, such as Shane Van Gisbergen and AJ Allmendinger, who are positioned to utilize their experience and speed.
Distinct patterns emerge, particularly as drivers like Austin Hill and Sam Mayer show consistent pace, with Mayer securing the penultimate lap—an ideal position to measure track evolution.
Meanwhile, the spread in lap times—from Vargas’s 41.350 seconds to the impressive 3.800 seconds by Hill—highlights the competitive nature of this field.
| Driver | Value |
| Ryan Vargas | 41.35 |
| Daniel Dye | 41 |
| Joey Gase | 40.3 |
| Akinori Ogata | 38.2 |
| Myatt Snider | 35.9 |
| Garrett Smithley | 35.5 |
| Blaine Perkins | 33.5 |
| JJ Yeley | 33.15 |
| Corey Heim | 32.3 |
| Dylan Lupton | 30.3 |
| Brennan Poole | 29.95 |
| Ryan Ellis | 29.75 |
| Josh Williams | 29.7 |
|
Kyle Weatherman
|
29 |
| Dawson Cram | 27.2 |
|
Leland Honeyman
|
25.45 |
| 25.3 | |
| Taylor Gray | 23.65 |
| Sheldon Creed | 22.5 |
| Riley Herbst | 22.4 |
| Jeremy Clements | 22.35 |
| Kyle Sieg | 22.1 |
| Ryan Sieg | 21.95 |
| Jeb Burton | 19.05 |
| Parker Retzlaff | 16.9 |
| Anthony Alfredo | 16.65 |
| Brandon Jones | 12 |
| Parker Kligerman | 7.5 |
| Shane Van Gisbergen | 6 |
| Jesse Love # (P) | 14.05 |
| Sammy Smith (P) | 11.95 |
| Cole Custer (P) | 10.5 |
| Aric Almirola (P) | 6.65 |
| Justin Allgaier (P) | 5.85 |
| Chandler Smith (P) | 4.95 |
| AJ Allmendinger (P) | 4.25 |
| Austin Hill (P) | 3.8 |
| Sam Mayer (P) | 2.75 |
As teams finalize their setups, strategizing for tire wear and fuel management becomes paramount. The Ambetter Health 302 will not only test driver skills but also the tactical expertise of crew chiefs.
Fans can anticipate an electrifying race weekend, with all teams and drivers ready to display their capabilities live on The CW and PRN.
News in Brief: 2024 Ambetter Health 302 Qualifying Order
The Ambetter Health 302 promises to be a thrilling event, showing the competitive spirit of motorsport. With a carefully arranged schedule and a tactical qualifying order, teams are ready to show their capabilities on the racetrack.
The intricacies of the qualifying process will greatly influence race outcomes, emphasizing the importance of preparation and performance. As the weekend starts, anticipation builds for an exhilarating race that could redefine standings and expectations within the series.
ALSO READ: Ambetter Health 302 2024 Entry List: Meet the Contenders Ready for Glory!
