Ryan Blaney Claims Bristol Pole Position in Tight Qualifying Session

Championship leader Tyler Reddick starts second as diverse field battles for top spots

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the NASCAR qualifying session at Bristol Motor Speedway, with the cars, drivers, and track deconstructed into abstract shapes and planes of color, capturing the intensity and competitive spirit of the event.The qualifying session at Bristol Motor Speedway showcased the depth of talent and competitive spirit in the NASCAR Cup Series, with a diverse field of drivers battling for the top spots.Bristol Today

NASCAR's Bristol Motor Speedway witnessed an exhilarating qualifying session, with Ryan Blaney claiming the pole position and setting the tone for the upcoming 500-lap race. Blaney's performance was nothing short of impressive, as he lapped the track in 15.101 seconds, earning his 13th career pole and second at Bristol. This achievement is a testament to his skill and the prowess of Team Penske's No. 12 Ford.

Why it matters

What makes Blaney's pole position particularly noteworthy is the competitive nature of the field. Championship leader Tyler Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing, started second, just 0.023 seconds behind Blaney. This close contest between Blaney and Reddick sets the stage for an intense battle during the race, showcasing the depth of talent in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The details

The front row is completed by Chase Briscoe in third and Riley Herbst in fourth, both driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. The top ten is rounded out by Ty Gibbs, Ross Chastain, Chris Buescher, Kyle Larson, and Austin Cindric, all of whom are driving for different teams. This diverse lineup highlights the strategic depth of NASCAR racing. However, the qualifying session was not without its surprises, as Alex Bowman qualified in 27th place after being out for five weeks due to vertigo, and William Byron, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, will start from 34th.

  • Ryan Blaney set his pole-winning time of 15.101 seconds during the qualifying session.
  • Tyler Reddick qualified second, just 0.023 seconds behind Blaney.

The players

Ryan Blaney

A NASCAR driver competing for Team Penske, he claimed the pole position at Bristol Motor Speedway with a lap time of 15.101 seconds.

Tyler Reddick

The current NASCAR Cup Series championship leader, driving for 23XI Racing, qualified second, just 0.023 seconds behind Blaney.

Chase Briscoe

A NASCAR driver competing for Joe Gibbs Racing, he qualified third in the Bristol qualifying session.

Riley Herbst

A NASCAR driver competing for Joe Gibbs Racing, he qualified fourth in the Bristol qualifying session.

Alex Bowman

A NASCAR driver competing for Hendrick Motorsports, he qualified 27th after being out for five weeks due to vertigo.

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What they’re saying

“We must have the best car setup and strategy to win at Bristol. It's going to be a tough race, but we're ready for the challenge.”

— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver, Team Penske

“I'm excited to start up front and battle with Ryan for the win. It's going to be an intense race, but we're going to give it our all.”

— Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver, 23XI Racing

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 qualifying session showcases the depth of talent and competitive spirit in the NASCAR Cup Series, with a diverse field of drivers battling for the top spots. The close contest between Blaney and Reddick sets the stage for an exciting race, as fans can expect a thrilling display of skill and determination from the drivers and teams.