At Nashville Superspeedway on May 31, 2025, NASCAR saw its qualifying records shattered multiple times ahead of the Cracker Barrel 400. The challenging 1.33-mile oval, known for its concrete surface and unique layout, pushed drivers and their Next-Gen cars to new limits as speeds soared and four separate track records were broken. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chase Briscoe ultimately seized the pole position, ending Denny Hamlin’s hold on the Nashville qualifying record and setting the stage for a highly anticipated race.
The intense competition showcased Toyota’s dominance on this distinctive track, with Briscoe’s performance highlighting a significant moment in his 2025 campaign. His Denny Hamlin Nashville Superspeedway qualifying performance was eclipsed in the final moments, proving the evolving nature of speed at this venue.
Intense Competition for Pole Position at the Music City Venue
The battle for the top qualifying spot was fierce, reflecting a high level of competition among NASCAR’s elite. Chase Briscoe, driving the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, has demonstrated solid consistency during the current Cup Series season. Although he had yet to secure a win, Briscoe entered Nashville off strong finishes, including two consecutive top-5 results at Kansas and Charlotte Motor Speedway. His pole-winning lap hinted at the potential to end his winless streak soon.
Driving aggressively from the start, 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace initially took the provisional pole with a remarkable lap of 29.526 seconds, reaching a top speed of 162.162 mph. This was Wallace’s first pole appearance of the season, signaling a breakthrough performance on the 1.33-mile oval. However, his prime position was short-lived as RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher quickly lowered the record to 29.443 seconds.
The competition escalated further when veteran Denny Hamlin, aiming to redeem himself after a near-miss at the Coke 600, delivered a historic qualifying run. He became the first to surpass 164 mph during qualifying at Nashville, taking the provisional pole and pushing the speed envelope.
Despite Hamlin’s impressive effort, Chase Briscoe outpaced the field with an electrifying final lap. Briscoe recorded a new benchmark with a 29.125-second lap at 164.395 mph, eclipsing Hamlin’s time and setting a fresh track record to earn the pole for the Cracker Barrel 400. This remarkable lap secured his spot at the front of the grid and demonstrated his hunger to convert pole positions into race wins.
Chase Briscoe knocks Denny Hamlin from the provisional pole with a 29.125 second/164.395 mph lap.2. Hamlin, 3. Reddick, 4. Keselowski, 5. Bell, 6. McDowell, 7. Logano, 8. Buescher, 9. Wallace, 10. Stenhouse#NASCAR— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) May 31, 2025
Strong Performers from Charlotte Carry Momentum into Nashville
The qualifying lineup also featured other noteworthy performances that reflected recent race form. William Byron, runner-up at the Coca-Cola 600, secured third place with a 29.307-second lap. Byron’s near victory at the crown jewel event last week, where he dominated for 283 laps before being overtaken late, emphasized his speed and competitiveness going into Nashville.
Tyler Reddick, who impressed at Charlotte despite a late-stage pit road penalty and crashes, qualified fourth, continuing his solid season for 23XI Racing. Meanwhile, last week’s Coca-Cola 600 winner Ross Chastain, who snatched victory at the end of Byron’s lead, qualified among the top five as well, underlining the presence of familiar front-runners ready to compete at Nashville Superspeedway.
The qualifying results suggest that recent Charlotte Motor Speedway performances are good indicators of success heading into the Cracker Barrel 400, setting up a potentially thrilling race Sunday in the heart of Music City.
Chase Briscoe’s Consecutive Pole Positions Signal Rising Form
With the pole position at Nashville, Chase Briscoe has now captured back-to-back poles, having also started first at the Coca-Cola 600 recently. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s progress this season has been steady, but these qualifying successes highlight an upward trajectory that could end his 23-race winless streak. Briscoe’s skill in extracting maximum performance from the No. 19 Toyota is becoming more evident as the season progresses.
Reflecting on his qualifying lap, Briscoe credited subtle details for the edge that made the difference.
I got to just push my head further forward harder coming in line. Honestly, I thought I ran a decent lap. I felt I gave a little bit up. I thought there was definitely a little more there. But it was just a smooth, clean lap; sometimes that’s what it takes. Obviously, a good Saturday for Bass Pro Shops Toyota, that’s two weeks now we’ve been able to do that now, which is nice.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining track position during the race to sustain his advantage on the challenging track layout.
Track position is going to be really, really big here tomorrow so that’s the name of the game. We’ll see where we go. Hopefully we can maintain our track position and see keep it up all day long.
Briscoe’s confidence and qualifying speed create an intriguing narrative heading into the Cracker Barrel 400. If he can translate his pole position into a race win, it would mark a significant breakthrough for his campaign.
The Challenge of Converting Qualifying Speed into Victory Lane Success
Nashville Superspeedway’s demanding concrete surface and unique configuration test drivers’ skills and tire management, making race-day performance a different challenge than qualifying speed alone. While Briscoe’s lap times illustrate his outright speed, sustaining that pace over the full 300-lap race will require strategy, consistency, and a bit of luck.
Denny Hamlin’s impressive qualifying history at Nashville, including repeatedly breaking track records, underscores his expertise at this venue. However, the slip of the provisional pole to his teammate Briscoe demonstrates that competition is intensifying within Joe Gibbs Racing. How the team manages this internal rivalry could influence race outcomes.
Other drivers like Bubba Wallace, Chris Buescher, and William Byron also look poised to challenge for leading positions, adding further unpredictability to the race. Nashville has often rewarded those who can adapt quickly to evolving track conditions, and the impressive qualifying benchmark set by Briscoe raises expectations for a fast-paced contest.
Implications for Denny Hamlin and the Rivalry Within Joe Gibbs Racing
For Denny Hamlin, Nashville Superspeedway remains a significant site where he previously dominated qualifying speeds but now faces mounting pressure from teammates and rivals alike. His surpassing of 164 mph during qualifying demonstrated he remains a top contender, yet losing the pole spot to Briscoe signals increased competition within Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin’s campaign this season has been a mix of highs and near misses, and this qualifying result may inspire renewed focus ahead of Sunday’s race.
The internal battle for supremacy among the JGR drivers reflects broader competitive dynamics in the NASCAR Cup Series this year. With rising talents like Briscoe and seasoned veterans like Hamlin pushing each other, the team’s depth is a formidable asset heading into critical races such as the Cracker Barrel 400.
Looking Ahead to the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville
As the field prepares for the Cracker Barrel 400, the qualifying result sets high expectations for a battle filled with speed and strategy. Chase Briscoe’s pole position not only boosts his confidence but also intensifies the spotlight on his potential to finally secure his first win of the season. Meanwhile, seasoned competitors including Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick will be looking to capitalize on their strong qualifying runs and recent race form.
The thrilling spectacle of four track records breaking in a single qualifying session suggests that Sunday’s race will be a test of resilience, precision driving, and tactical decisions under pressure. The unique characteristics of Nashville Superspeedway require drivers to manage grip challenges and maintain consistent pace across all 300 laps, making track position especially crucial.
Ultimately, the outcome of the Cracker Barrel 400 could have major implications for the NASCAR Cup Series standings and momentum heading into the summer races. Fans will be watching closely to see if Chase Briscoe can turn his dominant qualifying efforts into Victory Lane and how Denny Hamlin responds to losing his previously long-held Nashville qualifying record.
