The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Daytona International Speedway on Friday, August 22, for a crucial qualifying session that sets the starting grid for Saturday’s race. This event differs from the February Daytona 500 qualifying, as there are no duels this time around, making today’s session essential for drivers to secure prime starting positions.
What Time Does the Daytona Qualifying Begin?
The qualifying at Daytona for the Cup Series will commence at 5:05 p.m. Eastern Time on August 22, with no preceding practice runs planned. Fans across the country can anticipate the session at the following local times: 4:05 p.m. Central Time, 3:05 p.m. Mountain Time, and 2:05 p.m. Pacific Time.
Broadcast Information for Today’s Qualifying
Viewers can watch today’s qualifying live on truTV, where coverage starts at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Those preferring audio coverage can listen via SiriusXM or the Motor Racing Network (MRN), both offering live radio broadcasts of the session.
Streaming Options to Watch Daytona Qualifying
For fans on the move or preferring online platforms, several streaming services provide access to the qualifying session. The truTV app lets viewers stream live, and the channel is also accessible through popular platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV (Blue package).
Driver Qualifying Sequence and Lineup
The order in which drivers will attempt their qualifying laps is set, with Joey Gase of NY Racing Team starting first in the No. 44 Chevrolet. Following him, Casey Mears of Garage 66 Ford and BJ McLeod of Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet will take their turns. The session continues with notable drivers such as Justin Haley, Austin Hill, Cody Ware, and John Hunter Nemechek among others taking their runs in sequence.
Here is the full qualifying order for today’s session:
1. Joey Gase, No. 44, NY Racing Team Chevrolet
2. Casey Mears, No. 66, Garage 66 Ford
3. BJ McLeod, No. 78, Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet
4. Justin Haley, No. 7, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
5. Austin Hill, No. 33, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
6. Cody Ware, No. 51, Rick Ware Racing Ford
7. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
8. Riley Herbst, No. 35, 23XI Racing Toyota
9. Noah Gragson, No. 4, Front Row Motorsports Ford
10. Ryan Preece, No. 60, RFK Racing Ford
11. Chase Elliott, No. 9, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
12. Cole Custer, No. 41, Haas Factory Team Ford
13. Todd Gilliland, No. 34, Front Row Motorsports Ford
14. Tyler Reddick, No. 45, 23XI Racing Toyota
15. Erik Jones, No. 43, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
16. Ricky Stenhouse, No. 47, JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet
17. Chris Buescher, No. 17, RFK Racing Ford
18. Ty Dillon, No. 10, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
19. Bubba Wallace, No. 23, 23XI Racing Toyota
20. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
21. Michael McDowell, No. 71, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
22. Ross Chastain, No. 1, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
23. Ty Gibbs, No. 54, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
24. Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 88, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
25. Carson Hocevar, No. 77, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
26. Christopher Bell, No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
27. Kyle Busch, No. 8, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
28. Zane Smith, No. 38, Front Row Motorsports Ford
29. Daniel Suarez, No. 99, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
30. Josh Berry, No. 21, Wood Brothers Racing Ford
31. Brad Keselowski, No. 6, RFK Racing Ford
32. Chase Briscoe, No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
33. William Byron, No. 24, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
34. Austin Dillon, No. 3, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
35. Denny Hamlin, No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
36. Austin Cindric, No. 2, Team Penske Ford
37. Joey Logano, No. 22, Team Penske Ford
38. Kyle Larson, No. 5, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
39. Alex Bowman, No. 48, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
40. Ryan Blaney, No. 12, Team Penske Ford
Significance of Today’s Qualifying and What to Expect
Though no duel format will be featured as in the February Daytona 500 qualifying, this session remains critical for competitors aiming to establish an early advantage in the lead pack. Chase Briscoe, who took pole in the last February qualifying by besting several prominent Ford drivers including Austin Cindric and Ryan Preece, sets a benchmark for today’s contenders. With top drivers such as Kyle Busch, Christopher Bell, and Denny Hamlin in the mix, today’s qualifying results will have a direct impact on race strategy and positioning.
Viewers and race fans can expect a tightly contested session, as drivers push for optimal track positions ahead of Saturday’s event. With multiple streaming options and live broadcasts, fans across the United States will be able to follow every lap as the NASCAR Cup Series continues its 2024 season at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
