🚨 TECHNICAL UPDATE: Several teams, including Cole Custer’s #00, reported brake temperatures "red-lining" after just four laps in practice. So What? This will force a shift in strategy for the second half of the race, where managing the pedal will be a higher priority than raw sector speed to avoid mechanical failure.
Tech Section: Curb Aggression & Record Speeds
Connor Zilisch has shattered the O'Reilly Series track record. Why? His "no-fear" approach to the inner loop (Bus Stop) curbs allows him to maintain higher exit speeds. So What? By out-qualifying SVG by 0.08 seconds, Zilisch has neutralized the "SVG Tax" and forced the field to adapt to a more aggressive curb-hopping geometry.
Practice Intel: SVG was faster through the "Carousel," but Zilisch gained nearly a tenth by using the Bus Stop curbs. So What? This technical trade-off highlights two different philosophies: SVG’s smooth aerodynamic line vs. Zilisch’s mechanical suspension-loading. If a suspension link fails (as it did for Jesse Love, starting P22), SVG’s strategy will prevail over 82 laps.
Goodyear Technicals (D-6166): Identical to the setup used at COTA. Why? Consistency in the notebook. So What? Expected fall-off after 15 laps will turn the final stage into a management exercise, rewarding drivers like AJ Allmendinger (P7) who had the best 10-lap consecutive practice average.
Goodyear Technicals (D-6166): Identical to the setup used at COTA. Why? Consistency in the notebook. So What? Expected fall-off after 15 laps will turn the final stage into a management exercise, rewarding drivers like AJ Allmendinger (P7) who had the best 10-lap consecutive practice average.
Official Starting Grid: Top 10 Order
| Pos | No. | Driver | Manufacturer | Speed (MPH) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Connor Zilisch | Chevrolet | 125.802 | NEW TRACK RECORD |
| 2 | 9 | Shane van Gisbergen | Chevrolet | 125.614 | Missed by 0.08s |
| 3 | 00 | Cole Custer | Ford | 125.103 | Top Qualifying Ford |
| 4 | 7 | Justin Allgaier | Chevrolet | 124.992 | Fastest JRM car |
| 5 | 41 | Sam Mayer | Chevrolet | 124.877 | Previous winner |
| 6 | 88 | William Byron | Chevrolet | 124.810 | Cup Regular |
| 7 | 16 | A.J. Allmendinger | RAM | 124.773 | Best Practice Avg |
| 8 | 35 | Riley Herbst | Toyota | 124.552 | Fastest "Bus Stop" sector |
| 9 | 21 | Austin Hill | Chevrolet | 124.312 | Career-best RC start |
| 10 | 99 | Sheldon Creed | Chevrolet | 124.288 | Consistent Top 10 |