Bell claimed pole position midway through the final round of Saturday’s qualifying session, posting the fastest average lap speed of the day at 183.107 mph. Ross Chastain came closest to challenging Bell but settled for second place, with an average speed of 182.704 mph, securing a front-row start alongside Bell. This marks Bell’s first pole of the season and the 11th of his career, yet he’s still aiming to convert this opportunity into a victory, having fallen short in previous attempts.
With Toyota drivers dominating recent races at Kansas Speedway, winning four out of the last six events, Sunday’s race presents a promising opportunity for Bell and his peers. Bell emphasized the significance of qualifying on intermediate tracks, highlighting the success his team has experienced since the introduction of the Next Gen car. However, he anticipates a typical Kansas race scenario where maintaining pace and versatility in maneuvering around the track will be crucial for success.
The top five positions in qualifying were rounded out by Noah Gragson in third, Kyle Larson in fourth, and Kyle Busch in fifth. Ty Gibbs, Austin Cindric, Michael McDowell, Chase Elliott, and Chase Briscoe complete the top 10 lineup, with Briscoe brushing the wall during his final qualifying attempt. In the first qualifying round’s Group B, Larson claimed the top spot, followed by Gibbs and Chastain, while in Group A, Elliott led the way, followed by Briscoe and Cindric.
Notable drivers who failed to advance to the final round include Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron. Byron’s qualifying attempt was marred by contact with the wall despite showing promising speed during Saturday’s practice sessions. As the stage is set for Sunday’s race, drivers will be aiming to capitalize on their starting positions and strategic adaptability to navigate the challenges of Kansas Speedway and emerge victorious.
