Tech Section: Final Practice & Qualifying Intel
The O'Reilly Series utilizes a ~650-670 HP intermediate package. Why? Clean air is paramount at Darlington due to the "pinch point" in Turn 2. So What? The front-row lockout by Cup veterans Larson and Bell indicates that series regulars may struggle to find passing lanes in the early stages of the race.
Practice Pace: Christopher Bell (#19) topped single-lap speeds at 163.110 MPH. However, Carson Kvapil (#1) showed elite long-run stability, finishing P2 in 10-consecutive-lap averages.
Goodyear Strategy (D-6106/D-6130): The abrasive surface chews rubber rapidly. So What? With only 4 new race sets allotted, teams must decide between "two-tire" track position gambles and fresh rubber for late-race restarts.
Track Evolution: Qualifying speeds were significantly faster than practice as the track rubbered-in. Kyle Larson's pole lap of 29.994s secured the advantage of pitting in Stall 1.
Goodyear Strategy (D-6106/D-6130): The abrasive surface chews rubber rapidly. So What? With only 4 new race sets allotted, teams must decide between "two-tire" track position gambles and fresh rubber for late-race restarts.
Track Evolution: Qualifying speeds were significantly faster than practice as the track rubbered-in. Kyle Larson's pole lap of 29.994s secured the advantage of pitting in Stall 1.
Starting Grid: Row 1-5 Final Order
| Row | Pos | No. | Driver | Manufacturer | Speed (MPH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 88 | Kyle Larson (i) | Chevrolet | 163.953 |
| 1 | 2 | 19 | Christopher Bell (i) | Toyota | 163.696 |
| 2 | 3 | 1 | Carson Kvapil | Chevrolet | 162.942 |
| 2 | 4 | 7 | Justin Allgaier | Chevrolet | 162.727 |
| 3 | 5 | 99 | Parker Retzlaff | Chevrolet | 162.302 |
| 3 | 6 | 41 | Sam Mayer | Chevrolet | 162.260 |
| 4 | 7 | 18 | William Sawalich | Toyota | 162.094 |
| 4 | 8 | 20 | Brandon Jones | Toyota | 162.003 |
| 5 | 9 | 9 | Ross Chastain (i) | Chevrolet | 161.763 |
| 5 | 10 | 2 | Jesse Love | Chevrolet | 161.705 |
*38 starters confirmed; Nathan Byrd (#42) and Matt DiBenedetto (#35) were the DNQs from the 40 entered.