Connor Mosack has secured the pole position for the first-ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 at the Streets of St. Petersburg, scheduled for Saturday, February 28. Rain on Friday forced the cancellation of scheduled qualifying sessions at the St. Petersburg circuit, prompting officials to assign starting positions based on NASCAR’s qualifying metric formula.
Originally, the 36 drivers were set to be split into two groups for 20-minute qualifying sessions, intending to crown the fastest driver across both groups with the pole spot. However, inclement weather led NASCAR to revert to a system evaluating recent race results and owner points standings to set the grid.
Mosack Earns Pole Backed by Recent Win and Team Performance
Using this formula, 27-year-old Connor Mosack, a Charlotte, North Carolina native driving the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry for Spire Motorsports, was awarded the pole position. Mosack’s assignment to this position stems from the team’s recent success, including their victory at Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway with Kyle Busch behind the wheel the previous weekend.
As Mosack embarks on his first Truck Series start at St. Petersburg, he aims to convert the pole into his maiden series win. This season, Mosack is slated for 12 races driving for Spire Motorsports, hoping to establish himself strongly in the Truck Series standings.
Front Row Occupied by High Performers and Notable Debutants
Sharing the front row with Mosack is Giovanni Ruggiero, who enters Round 3 following consecutive top-three finishes, holding second place in the driver standings. Ruggiero’s early-season momentum makes him a strong contender for the Saturday race.
The third starting position features James Hinchcliffe, a six-time winner in the NTT IndyCar Series from North York, Ontario, making his Truck Series debut in the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports. Veterans Ben Rhodes and points leader Chandler Smith start fourth and fifth, respectively, setting up an intense battle at the front.
Experienced and New Drivers Fill Mid-Pack Starting Spots
Behind the top five, six-time Indianapolis 500 champion Dario Franchitti from Scotland will begin sixth, piloting the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage. Following him are Wesley Slimp, Landen Lewis, Jake Garcia, and Adam Andretti, who makes his second career Truck Series start. The mix of experienced icons and emerging talent augments the competitive field.
Colin Braun starts in 16th position, alongside Brenden Queen, sharing the eighth row. This lineup reflects a blend of seasoned drivers and rising competitors shaping the race’s dynamics.
Complete Starting Order for the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150
The full lineup for Saturday’s race is as follows:
1. Connor Mosack
2. Giovanni Ruggiero
3. James Hinchcliffe
4. Ben Rhodes
5. Chandler Smith
6. Dario Franchitti
7. Wesley Slimp
8. Landen Lewis
9. Jake Garcia
10. Adam Andretti
11. Justin Haley
12. Daniel Dye
13. Tyler Ankrum
15. Brenden Queen
16. Colin Braun
17. Stewart Friesen
18. Tyler Reif
19. Kaden Honeycutt
20. Kris Wright
21. Mini Tyrrell
22. Ty Majeski
23. Frankie Muniz
24. Jackson Lee
25. Grant Enfinger
26. Carter Fartuch
27. Nathan Nicholson
28. Layne Riggs
29. Tanner Gray
30. Cole Butcher
31. Christian Eckes
32. Derek White
33. Dawson Sutton
34. Daniel Hemric
35. Ben Maier
36. Timmy Hill
Race Broadcast Details and Fan Engagement Opportunities
The OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 will begin at noon Eastern Time on Saturday, February 28. The event will be broadcast live on FOX, NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM, providing widespread access for fans tuned in across various platforms.
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Significance of the Race and Prospects for Mosack and the Field
This inaugural race at the iconic Streets of St. Petersburg presents an important step for Connor Mosack as he attempts to transform his pole position into a breakthrough victory amidst a highly competitive field. The blend of rising talent and proven champions heightens anticipation and stakes for the event.
The challenging layout of the St. Petersburg street course, combined with the intense pressure of an inaugural event, means drivers will need precision, composure, and resilience to succeed. Mosack’s performance could shape his trajectory in the series while further defining Spire Motorsports’ presence in the Truck Series this season.
