Ryan Blaney Earns Pole Position at Bristol Qualifying

The Team Penske driver sets the pace for the Food City 500 with a blistering lap time.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:43am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Bristol Motor Speedway racetrack and the qualifying action, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors representing the speed and intensity of NASCAR racing.Qualifying at Bristol's 'Last Great Colosseum' pushes drivers to the limit, as Ryan Blaney's pole-winning lap showcases the raw talent and precision required to tame this challenging half-mile oval.Bristol Today

In a qualifying session that highlighted the fierce competition in the NASCAR Cup Series, Ryan Blaney emerged victorious by securing the pole position for the upcoming Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Blaney's dominant performance, clocking in at 127.064 mph in his No. 12 Ford, marks his first pole of the season and the 13th of his career, showcasing his ability to find that extra bit of speed when it matters most.

Why it matters

Qualifying at Bristol, the 'Last Great Colosseum,' is a true test of a driver's mettle, as the tight half-mile oval demands precision, nerve, and a deep understanding of how the car will react to the slightest bump or slide. Blaney's pole-winning lap is a testament to his consistent ability to perform under immense pressure and his particular knack for taming this challenging track.

The details

Joining Blaney on the front row will be Cup Series points leader Tyler Reddick and Chase Briscoe. The top five was rounded out by a trio of Toyotas, with Riley Herbst and Ty Gibbs securing fourth and fifth, respectively. Defending race winner Kyle Larson will start eighth, while Alex Bowman's return to the No. 48 Chevrolet after a bout with vertigo saw him start 27th, with an identical lap time to rookie Connor Zilisch.

  • Ryan Blaney set his pole-winning lap of 127.064 mph during the qualifying session on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Ryan Blaney

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who secured the pole position for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway with a blistering lap time of 127.064 mph in his No. 12 Team Penske Ford.

Tyler Reddick

The current NASCAR Cup Series points leader, who will start alongside Blaney on the front row for the Food City 500.

Chase Briscoe

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who will start third on the grid for the Food City 500 at Bristol.

Riley Herbst

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who secured a career-best fourth-place starting position for the Food City 500.

Ty Gibbs

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who rounded out the top five in qualifying for the Food City 500.

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What they’re saying

“Qualifying at Bristol isn't just about going fast; it's about precision, nerve, and a deep understanding of how the car will react to the slightest bump or slide on this notoriously tight circuit. Blaney's ability to deliver under such scrutiny is what truly sets him apart.”

— Author

The takeaway

Ryan Blaney's pole-winning performance at Bristol showcases his exceptional driving skills and ability to thrive under the immense pressure of qualifying at one of NASCAR's most challenging tracks. His consistent success at this venue, combined with the fierce competition throughout the field, sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable Food City 500 race.