Monday, December 29, 2025

NASCAR Cup Series Starting Lineup: St. Louis Pole Goes to Hamlin

The NASCAR Cup Series will kick off its next race tomorrow at the World Wide Technology Raceway, located near downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start as drivers compete for the best starting positions on the 1.25-mile track, with qualifying rounds already completed to determine the lineup.

The spotlight is on Denny Hamlin, who secured the pole position by clocking a fast lap time of 32.330 seconds, averaging 139.190 mph. This performance puts Hamlin at the forefront as the series advances at this vibrant racing venue.

Complete Starting Positions for the NASCAR Event on September 6, 2025

The front row will feature Denny Hamlin leading the pack, closely followed by Kyle Larson, who posted a lap time just 0.021 seconds behind Hamlin. Ross Chastain holds the third spot, while Ryan Blaney and William Byron complete the top five starters. Other notable competitors in the top ten include Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, Austin Cindric, Chase Briscoe, and Zane Smith.

Below is the full top 36 starting lineup based on qualifying times for the NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway:

  1. Denny Hamlin – 32.330 seconds
  2. Kyle Larson – 32.351 seconds
  3. Ross Chastain – 32.408 seconds
  4. Ryan Blaney – 32.432 seconds
  5. William Byron – 32.467 seconds
  6. Tyler Reddick – 32.501 seconds
  7. Christopher Bell – 32.512 seconds
  8. Austin Cindric – 32.571 seconds
  9. Chase Briscoe – 32.650 seconds
  10. Zane Smith – 32.674 seconds
  11. Chris Buescher – 32.689 seconds
  12. Josh Berry – 32.698 seconds
  13. Joey Logano – 32.719 seconds
  14. Bubba Wallace – 32.739 seconds
  15. Austin Dillon – 32.757 seconds
  16. Erik Jones – 32.760 seconds
  17. AJ Allmendinger – 32.764 seconds
  18. Shane van Gisbergen – 32.765 seconds
  19. Chase Elliott – 32.799 seconds
  20. John Hunter Nemechek – 32.852 seconds
  21. Ty Gibbs – 32.889 seconds
  22. Kyle Busch – 32.952 seconds
  23. Brad Keselowski – 32.957 seconds
  24. Noah Gragson – 32.993 seconds
  25. Alex Bowman – 33.005 seconds
  26. Daniel Suarez – 33.038 seconds
  27. Carson Hocevar – 33.133 seconds
  28. Michael McDowell – 33.197 seconds
  29. Cole Custer – 33.201 seconds
  30. Todd Gilliland – 33.230 seconds
  31. Justin Haley – 33.252 seconds
  32. Ryan Preece – 33.282 seconds
  33. Riley Herbst – 33.417 seconds
  34. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 33.538 seconds
  35. Ty Dillon – 33.635 seconds
  36. Cody Ware – 33.650 seconds

Qualifying Highlights and Driver Performance Insights

Ty Gibbs showed strong potential in the Xfinity Series qualifying round with a best lap of 32.898 seconds, earning the top spot there. Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski also showed competitive times in their respective sessions. These performances underline the level of competition entering the World Wide Technology Raceway events.

NASCAR Cup Series
Image of: NASCAR Cup Series

Among Cup Series drivers, Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell demonstrated consistent pace during practice and qualifying, positioning themselves as threats in the upcoming race. Veterans like Kyle Busch and Joey Logano maintain solid qualifying performances, bolstering their chances to make significant moves during the race.

The Stakes Ahead for Key Competitors

With qualifying concluded, the NASCAR Cup Series field is set for an intense race at the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis. The starting lineup highlights a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents eager to gain points and improve their standings. Hamlin’s pole position puts him in a strong spot to control the race‘s early stages, but close margins behind him ensure a highly competitive event.

As the series progresses, driver performances in St. Louis will be crucial in shaping the championship trajectory and providing thrilling action for fans. The energy and determination of contenders like Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, and Ryan Blaney add to the excitement heading into race day.