Tech Section: 750 HP & Practice Intel
The 2026 short-track aero package (reduced downforce via smaller spoilers and simplified diffusers) is paired with an unrestricted ~750 HP V8. Why? Higher power levels create more wheel-spin and require more throttle finesse coming off the corners. So What? Practice results showed JGR Toyotas having the best 10-lap averages (Chase Elliott led 10-lap avg at 95.393 mph), signaling they have the best mechanical grip through the concrete turns [4, 6, 7].
Starting Grid: Row 1-5 Final Order
| Row | Pos | No. | Driver | Manufacturer | Time (Sec) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | Toyota | 19.275 |
| 1 | 2 | 24 | William Byron | Chevrolet | 19.331 |
| 2 | 3 | 21 | Josh Berry | Ford | 19.334 |
| 2 | 4 | 54 | Ty Gibbs | Toyota | 19.338 |
| 3 | 5 | 97 | Shane van Gisbergen | Chevrolet | 19.339 |
| 3 | 6 | 2 | Austin Cindric | Ford | 19.351 |
| 4 | 7 | 77 | Carson Hocevar | Chevrolet | 19.363 |
| 4 | 8 | 45 | Tyler Reddick | Toyota | 19.376 |
| 5 | 9 | 22 | Joey Logano | Ford | 19.389 |
| 5 | 10 | 9 | Chase Elliott | Chevrolet | 19.392 |
*Denny Hamlin secured his 49th career pole, tying him for 10th all-time [5].
Drivers & Teams Intelligence
Justin Allgaier (#48): Subbing for Alex Bowman (vertigo). Qualified P21. So What? After winning yesterday's O'Reilly race, Allgaier provides Hendrick Motorsports with the most current "live" data on how the track rubber-in process affects corner entry grip [6, 10].
Tyler Reddick: The points leader with 4 wins in 6 races starts 8th. So What? Reddick showed top-tier long-run stability in practice; starting in the top-10 puts him in prime position to manage his tires and wait for the "grip-gap" to open late in the race [11, 12].
Austin Hill (#33): The only "Open" entry this week for RCR. So What? Hill's P37 qualifying effort was a disappointment compared to his O'Reilly pace, but his team is focused on equipment endurance for the full 400 laps [6, 13].