Ryan Blaney earned the Daytona pole position after lightning forced NASCAR to cancel qualifying at Daytona International Speedway. The decision, made Friday due to weather conditions, led officials to set the starting lineup using NASCAR’s standard metric system ahead of Saturday’s race.
How the Starting Lineup Was Determined After Weather Interruption
With 40 Cup cars and 38 Xfinity cars entered, no teams were eliminated despite the rainout. NASCAR set the fields using a formula that combines four factors: 15% of the fastest lap times from the previous race, 25% of the driver’s finishing position from the previous race, 25% of the owner’s finishing position from the previous race, and 35% of the owner’s current points standing. This method ensured fair positioning after qualifying was halted.
Top Starters for the Cup and Xfinity Races
Ryan Blaney will lead the NASCAR Cup Series race driving the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, followed closely by Alex Bowman in the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Bowman currently holds the 16th and final playoff spot entering the regular-season finale. Kyle Larson will start third, with Joey Logano and Austin Cindric rounding out the top five. Rounding out the top ten are Denny Hamlin, Austin Dillon, William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and Brad Keselowski.
Blaney’s position at the front is a significant advantage heading into the race, especially at this track where starting spot can influence early race dynamics.
Xfinity Series Lineup and Weather Concerns
Attempts to conduct Xfinity Series qualifying were also disrupted by lightning, halting the session after some cars completed runs. Connor Zilisch, who plans to start the Xfinity race despite a broken collarbone and might exit during the opening caution, is listed to start first. However, it is expected he may relinquish his spot early in the race. Parker Kligerman is on standby to drive the No. 88 for JR Motorsports if needed.
Sam Mayer and Sammy Smith will start second and third respectively in the Xfinity race lineup.
Given the typical weather volatility at Daytona this season, rain and lightning remain potential factors affecting race schedules and starts for both Friday night’s Xfinity event and Saturday night’s Cup race.
