Additional Coverage:
- NASCAR Championship Race 2024 starting lineup: Martin Truex Jr. wins pole for his last race before retirement (newsbreak.com)
Truex Jr. Claims Pole for NASCAR Championship Race
Martin Truex Jr. secured the pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday. Truex Jr.’s record-breaking lap earned him his 25th career Cup pole and his second consecutive pole as he prepares to retire from full-time Cup racing after Sunday’s race.
Championship 4 Drivers Qualify
Joey Logano will start alongside Truex Jr. in second, leading the Championship 4 drivers into the race. William Byron, Tyler Reddick, and defending champion Ryan Blaney qualified eighth, tenth, and 17th, respectively.
Blaney Faces Challenges
Ryan Blaney struggled in qualifying, missing out on a top-10 starting spot. Despite starting from deep in the field last year and ultimately winning the championship, it remains to be seen if Blaney can overcome his qualifying woes.
Turn 1 Issues Prevalent
Turn 1 proved to be a challenge for many drivers, leading to multiple spins and grip issues. Josh Berry suffered the most, spinning into the outside wall after losing control in the apex of turns 1 and 2.
Mechanical Issues for Team AmeriVet
Team AmeriVet’s No. 50 car did not qualify due to mechanical problems, relegating Jeb Burton to the back of the field. Burton, an Xfinity Series regular, will make his first Cup start since 2019.
Starting Lineup Announced
The full starting lineup for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race has been released, with Martin Truex Jr. leading the pack. The race will determine the 2024 Cup Series champion.