Chase Briscoe earned the pole position in the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard Qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27, 2025. Completing his fastest lap in 49.136 seconds with an average speed of 183.165 mph, Briscoe will lead the starting grid for tomorrow’s Brickyard 400 race.
The qualifying session held on the 2.5-mile oval saw intense competition among drivers aiming for a strong starting spot, crucial for a successful run in one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events. However, notable drama unfolded as Denny Hamlin, the last to qualify, crashed on his final attempt.
Drama Strikes as Denny Hamlin Crashes During Final Qualifying Lap
Denny Hamlin appeared set to challenge for the top qualifying spot but lost control in his final run at Indianapolis. After hitting the outside wall, Hamlin’s car bounced back across the track and slammed into the inside barrier, eliminating him from the qualifying results. Despite posting a time of 49.440 seconds earlier, Hamlin recorded no valid time on his last lap and will start at the back of the field.
Full Starting Lineup Showcases Top Drivers at Indianapolis
The starting order highlights several top contenders in close pursuit of Briscoe’s pole time. Bubba Wallace secured second place with a lap of 49.149 seconds, while Erik Jones and Tyler Reddick followed closely in third and fourth, respectively. Ty Gibbs and William Byron also posted strong runs, rounding out the top six starters.
Other prominent drivers making up the front half of the field include Chris Buescher in seventh, Carson Hocevar eighth, and AJ Allmendinger in ninth.
The lineup extends to a full roster of 39 drivers, including seasoned competitors such as Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Austin Cindric. John Hunter Nemechek and Josh Bilicki, among others, completed the grid, though some struggled with their lap times.
Significance of Qualifying Performance for the Brickyard 400
Securing the pole at the Brickyard 400 is a considerable advantage due to the high-speed nature of Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s long, sweeping turns and the draft-heavy racing style it demands. Briscoe’s top qualifying effort positions him well for a strong performance in the race, but the unpredictable oval and large field mean drivers must remain focused and strategic throughout.
Hamlin’s crash adds uncertainty to the race, as starting from the rear at a track where clean air and track position are vital could impact his chances for a top finish.
Tomorrow’s race promises intense competition among a tightly packed group of drivers eager to leave their mark on one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, the Brickyard 400.
