In a thrilling qualifying session at Bristol Motor Speedway, Alex Bowman achieved the pole position for Sunday's Food City 500. The driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet set an impressive pace during Saturday’s time trials on the 0.533-mile short track. Bowman clocked in at 14.912 seconds (128.675 mph), marking the fastest lap ever recorded at Bristol in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen car. This achievement edged out Ricky Stenhouse Jr. by just 0.013 seconds. Kyle Larson qualified third, while Denny Hamlin, who has won the last two Cup events, secured fourth place. Fans can catch the race live on FS1 or via streaming services like fubo TV and Sling TV.
The competition at Bristol Motor Speedway was fierce as drivers vied for optimal starting positions ahead of the Food City 500. Among those who shone brightly was Alex Bowman, whose performance during Saturday’s time trials stood out. Bowman managed to complete his lap in record-breaking fashion, achieving a speed that no other competitor could match. His exceptional skill ensured that he would lead the pack when the green flag drops on Sunday afternoon.
Beyond Bowman's accomplishment, there were several noteworthy moments throughout the qualifying process. For instance, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driving a Chevrolet, came incredibly close to stealing the top spot but fell slightly short. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson, fresh off his victory in the Xfinity Series race earlier that day, took third place with an admirable effort. In addition, Denny Hamlin demonstrated why he remains one of the most formidable drivers currently active, securing fourth place despite stiff competition from various manufacturers.
As excitement builds for the main event, attention also turns toward Denny Hamlin, whose storied career includes numerous triumphs at this iconic venue. Known affectionately as "Thunder Valley," Bristol represents both challenge and opportunity for all competitors. Should Hamlin succeed once more, he would not only extend his personal legacy but potentially etch himself into JGR history books alongside teammate Christopher Bell. However, maintaining composure amidst such pressure proves crucial, as highlighted by Hamlin himself in recent interviews.
On Sunday, fans will witness whether Bowman can translate his strong qualifying performance into race-day success. With a field brimming with talent—including Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell—the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown at Bristol Motor Speedway. Despite setbacks faced by some notable figures like Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, anticipation runs high among spectators eager to see how each storyline unfolds over the course of 500 grueling laps.