The NASCAR Cup Series will enter Round 4 of the 2025 In-Season Challenge this Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway, widely known as the Monster Mile. The race will start at 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TNT Sports, truTV, and HBO Max, with radio coverage on PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The weekend’s activities include a critical qualifying session that will determine the starting positions for the race.
Details of the Qualifying Format and Practice Sessions
On Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET, all 37 cars will have the opportunity to set a qualifying time. The drivers will be divided into two groups for a 50-minute practice session, with each group receiving 25 minutes on the track. Qualifying itself will consist of a single round where each driver completes two laps to post their best time. The groupings are set based on a combined metric considering the previous race finish by owner (70%) and the current owner points standings (30%).
Unexpected Driver Positions in the Qualifying Order
Among the notable qualifiers, JJ Yeley leads the list with a metric score of 42.21, surprising many given his position. Other top qualifiers include Noah Gragson, Cody Ware, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who round out the high-ranking group. John Hunter Nemechek, with a metric score of 26.21, is also a significant contender heading into the qualifying session. Meanwhile, drivers like Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott find themselves towards the back of the qualifying order based on their respective scores.
Implications for the Monster Mile Race
The qualifying results will have a direct influence on race strategies and track positioning for the Monster Mile event. With the unique qualifying format and the competitive field, several drivers have an opportunity to gain an advantage before the green flag. This qualifying session is essential for shaping the dynamic of the upcoming race and will set the tone for competitors aiming to advance their standing in the In-Season Challenge.
