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Bristol Today
By the People, for the People
Ryan Blaney Secures Pole Position at NASCAR Cup Bristol
Full Starting Lineup Analysis for the 2026 Race
Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:27am
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The starting lineup for the NASCAR Cup Bristol race promises an exciting battle, with the pole position secured by Ryan Blaney and championship leader Tyler Reddick starting right behind him.Bristol TodayRyan Blaney, driving the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, secured the pole position for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway with an impressive 15.101-second lap. Championship leader Tyler Reddick will start alongside Blaney on the front row in the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota. The qualifying session was a tight battle, with several drivers vying for the top spots.
Why it matters
The pole position at Bristol is a significant achievement, as the short track is known for its intense racing and the importance of track position. Blaney's performance and Reddick's strong showing set the stage for an exciting race, with the potential for unexpected results and strategic moves throughout the field.
The details
Blaney's strategy of gathering himself in Turns 3 and 4 paid off, and his team's adjustments in qualifying were spot-on. Reddick's clever move of burning out of the pits to heat up the tires showcased his strategic thinking. Other notable performances include Chase Briscoe qualifying third, Ty Gibbs and Ross Chastain rounding out the top five, and Alex Bowman returning after a five-week absence to qualify 27th, while his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron started 34th.
- Ryan Blaney secured the pole position with a 15.101-second lap.
- Tyler Reddick will start alongside Blaney on the front row.
The players
Ryan Blaney
Driving the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, Blaney secured the pole position with an impressive 15.101-second lap.
Tyler Reddick
The championship leader, Reddick will start alongside Blaney on the front row in the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota.
Chase Briscoe
Briscoe qualified third, an impressive feat.
Ty Gibbs
Gibbs qualified fourth, rounding out the top five.
Ross Chastain
Chastain qualified fifth, rounding out the top five.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
