Sunday, December 28, 2025

Zane Smith Makes History with First Pole Position at Talladega: NASCAR’s Next Big Star Emerges!

In a heart-pounding qualifying session at Talladega Superspeedway, Zane Smith of Front Row Motorsports clinched the pole position for the upcoming Jack Link’s 500. The NASCAR Cup Series driver showcased his prowess by recording a blistering lap of 52.565 seconds at an impressive speed of 182.174 mph. This achievement marks a significant milestone as it is his first pole position in his 55th series start.

Reflecting on his remarkable accomplishment, Smith humbly credited his team’s effort and the exceptional speed of his TitleMax Ford. He stated, “We obviously had a lot of speed… It wasn’t a whole lot of my doing, but just off of pit road making sure I hit my lights.” With a mix of gratitude and determination, Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and smoothness on the track, highlighting the collaborative effort of his team in preparing for the race.

The intensity of the qualifying session continued as seasoned driver Kyle Busch secured the second spot on the grid in a Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown on race day. Not to be outdone, drivers like Joey Logano, Ryan Preece, and Austin Dillon will also be vying for glory from the front rows of the grid.

As anticipation builds for the Jack Link’s 500, fans can expect an action-packed race with top contenders like Chris Buescher, Austin Cindric, and Ryan Blaney ready to challenge for the lead. The dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, including Ty Gibbs and Josh Berry in the top ten, promises a race filled with adrenaline and surprises.

With the stage set for an electrifying battle at Talladega, Zane Smith’s maiden pole position adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling weekend of racing. As the drivers rev up their engines, fans can look forward to what is sure to be a pulse-pounding spectacle on the track.