Ryan Blaney Captures Pole for Food City 500 at Bristol

Blaney edges out Reddick for top starting spot in Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in bright colors representing the Bristol Motor Speedway racetrack and cars, capturing the dynamic energy of the NASCAR Cup Series qualifying session.Blaney's pole-winning run sets the stage for an intense battle at Bristol's short track.Bristol Today

Ryan Blaney recovered from a loose opening lap to secure the pole position for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Blaney's lap time of 15.101 seconds (127.064 mph) was just enough to edge out Tyler Reddick for the top starting spot. Chase Briscoe, Riley Herbst, and Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five qualifiers.

Why it matters

Winning the pole position is a significant advantage at the short, high-banked Bristol track, where track position is crucial. Blaney's pole run gives him the best starting spot to try and secure his second win of the season and gain valuable playoff points.

The details

Blaney suffered from a loose condition on his opening qualifying lap but was able to tighten up his No. 12 Ford Mustang on his second attempt to post the fastest time. Reddick, who has four wins already this season, qualified second, just 0.023 seconds behind Blaney. Chase Briscoe, Riley Herbst, and Ty Gibbs completed the top five starting positions.

  • Blaney's pole-winning lap time was set during Saturday's qualifying session for Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The players

Ryan Blaney

The driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford Mustang, who secured his first pole position of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Tyler Reddick

The driver of the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, who qualified second and has four wins so far this season.

Chase Briscoe

The driver of the No. 19 Lance Snacks Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, who qualified third.

Riley Herbst

The driver of the No. 35 car, who had the surprise fourth-place qualifying effort, the best of his NASCAR Cup Series career.

Ty Gibbs

The driver of the No. 54 car, who qualified fifth as he continues to seek his first career NASCAR Cup Series win.

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What they’re saying

“Luckily, the rear tires came in better the second lap in [Turns] 1 and 2, and then 3 and 4, I thought was a really good corner. Really great job by the whole 12 boys.”

— Ryan Blaney, Driver, No. 12 Team Penske Ford

What’s next

Blaney will lead the field to the green flag in Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, with Reddick starting alongside him on the front row.

The takeaway

Blaney's pole-winning run at Bristol gives him a prime starting position to try and secure his second win of the season and gain valuable playoff points, while Reddick and the other top qualifiers will look to challenge him for the victory on the short track.