DARLINGTON, S.C. – Ross Chastain proved very quickly that he intends to make the most of his three-race opportunity with Chip Ganassi Racing, earning his first series pole in his debut with the No. 42 team Saturday at Darlington Raceway.
Chastain, who barely made it past the opening knockout round, saved his best for last. He took only one lap in the third and final round, touring the 1.366-mile oval in 29.007 seconds
“This feels surreal,” said Chastain of winning the pole. “Honestly, I didn’t even think this was a possibility. I wasn’t looking to go out and do that at all; I just wanted to turn in a solid effort for these guys and put us in a good position for the race, but to go out and win the pole is amazing. To put together three rounds like that … that’s exactly what you want to do as a driver and it’s really cool.
“Now in the race, I just have to go out and do my job. The main thing I’ve been trying to prepare for has been the race,” Chastain noted. “It’s a big deal for me, but all I’ve tried to do my whole career is do my job, no matter what track or team I’ve been with. Today’s a long day, but we’re off to a great start.”
The Alva, Fla., native will be joined on the front row by four-time season winner Christopher Bell, who timed in second-fastest during the final round with a lap of 29.053 seconds (169.263 mph) in the No. 20 Rheem Throwback Toyota.
A pair of Chevrolet drivers makes up the second row in Tyler Reddick and Daniel Hemric, with defending race winner Denny Hamlin completing the top five.
Cole Custer, Kevin Harvick, Elliott Sadler, Brad Keselowski, Justin Allgaier, Austin Cindric and Ty Dillon made up the balance of the top 12 starters and all advanced through all three knockout rounds.
Ryan Truex was the first driver who failed to advance to the final round of qualifying. He posted the 13th-fastest lap of (166.225 mph) in the No. 11 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet, which honors his brother Martin Truex Jr.’s 2004 championship-winning ride.
Other notable names mired deep in the starting field include Ryan Reed (14th), Landon Cassill (21st) and Chase Elliott (38th), who nearly spun out exiting turn four on his qualifying run and didn’t record a lap at full speed.
Also starting from the rear is Brandon Jones, whose car failed pre-qualifying inspection four times and was not permitted to make an attempt in time trials on Saturday. He’ll roll off 39th.
The Sport Clip Haircuts VFW 200 is scheduled to take the green flag at 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
To view the full starting lineup, advance to the next page.
