WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing secured his first pole position of the 2024 season and the second of his career on Saturday afternoon at the iconic Watkins Glen International road course.
Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet recorded a speedy lap of 122.279 mph around the 2.45-mile, seven-turn layout in upstate New York, narrowly surpassing former race winner Martin Truex Jr. for the top spot by just 0.134 seconds. Truex, who is currently ranked 15th out of the 16 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff drivers, had significant motivation for a strong qualifying result.
Both drivers will lead the pack at the start of Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen (3 p.m. ET, USA, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NBC Sports App), which is the second of the series’ 10 playoff races and the first of two road courses in the postseason lineup.
RELATED: Starting lineup | At-track photos
“It wasn’t just one factor. After years of effort to learn this, it feels like a career moment, a lifetime achievement to outpace everyone in the Cup Series. It’s unbelievable for Trackhouse,” said Chastain.
The qualifying session was noteworthy, as Chastain was among five non-playoff drivers advancing to the final qualifying round. Shane van Gisbergen from Kaulig Racing will start in third, as will his teammate AJ Allmendinger in sixth, while Noah Gragson from Stewart-Haas Racing and Michael McDowell from Front Row Motorsports will line up in ninth and tenth positions, respectively, as part of this non-playoff group.
Alongside Truex, the playoff drivers who progressed to the final round included Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman (fourth), Team Penske’s Austin Cindric (fifth), Joey Logano (seventh), and Chastain’s Trackhouse Racing teammate Daniel Suárez (eighth).
Sunday’s race marks the second event of the three initial rounds. After next week’s race at the renowned Bristol Motor Speedway half-mile, the lowest-ranked four drivers of the 16 will be eliminated from further championship contention.
At Watkins Glen, qualifying has historically been crucial, with the race winner starting from seventh place or better in 16 of the past 19 races.
Joey Logano, who clinched victory in last week’s playoff opener at Atlanta Motor Speedway, is the sole driver to have secured his spot in the Round of 12. His Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney, who has a five-point lead over Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell in the championship standings, will start in 30th, while Bell will begin in 17th.
Tyler Reddick, the Regular Season Champion from 23XI Racing, ranks fourth in the standings and will start in 16th. Defending race winner William Byron from Hendrick Motorsports, currently ranked fifth in the playoffs, will start 11th. His teammate Chase Elliott, a two-time victor at Watkins Glen, will roll off from 14th, while Kyle Larson, another two-time winner, will start in 20th.
Denny Hamlin from JGR, also a past Watkins Glen winner, will begin the race from 22nd. His teammate Ty Gibbs, who is barely holding onto the 12th and final transfer position by just one point over Brad Keselowski, will roll off from 15th.
Former series champion and RFK Racing co-owner Keselowski will start from 28th. Harrison Burton, currently ranked 17th and 16 points below the cutoff line, will start in 33rd. Chase Briscoe from Stewart-Haas Racing, positioned 16th in the playoffs and 21 points behind Gibbs, had a promising qualifying session and will take off from 12th.
Notably, Juan Pablo Montoya, a former winner at Watkins Glen, will make his first NASCAR Cup Series start in a decade, rolling off from 34th in the No. 50 23XI Racing Toyota.
Reddick fastest in practice
In practice, 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick led with a speed of 122.469 mph, outperforming Ross Chastain (122.337 mph) and Kyle Larson (122.296 mph).
Shane van Gisbergen (122.267 mph) and Denny Hamlin (122.015 mph) completed the top five.
MORE: Practice results
Joey Logano (121.963 mph), Austin Cindric (121.778 mph), Ryan Blaney (121.764 mph), Corey LaJoie (121.759 mph), and Noah Gragson (121.620 mph) rounded out the top ten.
Contributing: Staff reports
Ross Chastain Secures First Pole of 2024 Season at Watkins Glen
In a thrilling start to the 2024 NASCAR season, Ross Chastain has claimed his first pole position at the iconic Watkins Glen International. This achievement marks a significant moment for Chastain and his team as they gear up for a competitive season ahead. The pole position not only showcases Chastain’s impressive driving skills but also highlights the potential of his racing team as they look to make a mark in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Highlights of Chastain’s Performance
- Qualifying Time: Chastain clocked a blistering lap time of 69.621 seconds.
- Starting Position: This pole position gives Chastain a strategic advantage for the race.
- Team Dynamics: Strong collaboration within the team has played a crucial role in this success.
The Importance of Pole Positions in NASCAR
Pole positions play a critical role in NASCAR races. Here are some benefits:
- Strategic Advantage: Starting at the front allows drivers to avoid early-race chaos.
- Increased Visibility: Leading from the front can attract attention from sponsors and fans.
- Confidence Boost: Securing a pole can elevate a driver’s confidence for the race.
Race Day Expectations
As Chastain prepares for the race, there are several factors to consider that could affect his performance:
Weather Conditions
The weather at Watkins Glen can be unpredictable, which may influence tire choices and race strategies. Teams will need to closely monitor the forecast leading up to the race.
Track Conditions
With Watkins Glen being a road course, the condition of the track—especially regarding grip levels—will play a vital role in race performance. Chastain and his team will need to adjust their car setup based on these conditions.
Competitor Analysis
Chastain’s key competitors, including traditional heavyweights like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes. Understanding their strategies and adapting swiftly will be essential for a successful race.
Chastain’s Journey to the Pole
Chastain’s journey to securing the pole position has been marked by hard work and resilience. Here’s a snapshot of his recent performances leading up to this moment:
| Race | Finish Position | Qualifying Position |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona | 5th | 10th |
| Phoenix | 12th | 4th |
| Sonoma | 8th | 6th |
| Watkins Glen | – | 1st (Pole) |
Chastain’s Team and Support System
Behind every successful driver is a dedicated team. Chastain’s crew has been instrumental in his performance, providing the necessary support on and off the track.
Key Team Members
- Chief Engineer: Their expertise in car mechanics and adjustments is vital for fine-tuning during practice sessions.
- Spotter: Providing crucial information about competitors’ positions and track conditions can make a significant difference during the race.
- Pit Crew: A fast and efficient pit crew can dramatically affect race outcomes, especially during critical moments.
Fan Engagement and Community Support
Chastain’s popularity among fans has been steadily growing, thanks in part to his engaging personality and consistent performances. Here are ways fans are supporting him:
- Social Media Interaction: Chastain actively engages with fans on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, providing updates and behind-the-scenes content.
- Merchandise Sales: His merchandise continues to fly off the shelves, reflecting his increasing fanbase.
- Public Appearances: Attending fan events and signings helps strengthen the connection between Chastain and his supporters.
Future Outlook for Ross Chastain
Securing the first pole of the 2024 season is just the beginning for Chastain. Here are several factors that may shape his future in the NASCAR Cup Series:
Potential for Race Wins
With the momentum of a pole position behind him, Chastain has a unique opportunity to convert this into a race win. His performance in previous races suggests he has the capability to compete fiercely at the front.
Long-Term Goals
Chastain aims not only to compete for individual wins but also to contend for the championship title. His team is focused on improving their performance week after week to remain a constant threat in the standings.
Partnerships and Sponsorships
As Chastain’s profile continues to rise, the potential for new sponsorship opportunities increases. This can significantly impact the resources and technologies available to him and his team.
Conclusion
With Ross Chastain’s recent pole position at Watkins Glen, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he performs during the race and what this means for his 2024 season. The combination of talent, teamwork, and fan support sets the stage for a thrilling NASCAR experience ahead.
