Rain Washes Out Atlanta NASCAR Cup Qualifying, Tyler Reddick Secures Pole Amidst Revised Lineup Determination

Atlanta, GA – Persistent rain showers and accompanying lightning have forced the cancellation of NASCAR Cup Series qualifying for Sunday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In accordance with the series’ established procedures for weather-affected sessions, the starting grid will be determined by a pre-defined metric, elevating championship leader Tyler Reddick to the pole position.

The 2026 season introduced a revised formula for establishing the starting lineup when on-track qualifying is not feasible. This updated metric weighs the car’s position in the owner standings at 30% and the team’s finishing position in the most recent race at 70%. This statistical approach, designed to reward consistent performance and recent success, now dictates the starting order for the second event of the 2026 campaign.

Tyler Reddick, the current championship leader and victor of the prestigious Daytona 500, will therefore lead the field to green from the top spot. His No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota will not only occupy pole position but also has been awarded the coveted preferred pit box, a significant advantage on race day. This marks a strong start to the season for Reddick and his Toyota Camry, building on his early-season momentum.

Joining Reddick on the front row will be Joey Logano, the 2022 Cup Series champion. Logano, driving the No. 22 Team Penske Ford, demonstrated his competitive prowess by winning his respective Duel race and securing a third-place finish in the Daytona 500, albeit with some late-race contact. His consistent performance across the opening weekend and his strong standing in the owner points have positioned him to start directly behind Reddick.

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The second row will feature Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in third place, followed by Chase Elliott in fourth. Brad Keselowski rounds out the top five, demonstrating the varied team and manufacturer representation within the leading positions.

The remainder of the top ten starting positions are occupied by a strong contingent of drivers. Zane Smith will start sixth, followed by Chris Buescher in seventh. Riley Herbst will take the eighth spot, with Bubba Wallace in ninth and Josh Berry completing the top ten. This grouping reflects a blend of established veterans and emerging talents, setting the stage for a dynamic race.

Several notable drivers will face challenges from further down the grid, highlighting the impact of the qualifying cancellation on their potential starting positions. Ross Chastain, a consistent contender in recent seasons, is slated to start 21st. Ryan Blaney, the 2023 champion, will begin his race from 22nd. Ryan Preece will start 26th, while Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, making his limited Cup Series starts, is set to begin in 28th.

Further back in the field, Denny Hamlin, a veteran driver with numerous wins, will start 29th. Austin Cindric, the 2022 Daytona 500 winner, is positioned 30th. Rookie sensation Connor Zilisch will start 31st, indicating a challenging race ahead for the young driver. Christopher Bell, a playoff contender in previous years, will start 32nd. Chase Briscoe is set to start 34th, and Alex Bowman, a multiple-race winner, will begin the race from 36th.

The decision to cancel qualifying comes as a familiar challenge for NASCAR, where weather patterns can significantly impact the racing schedule. Atlanta Motor Speedway, a track known for its unique racing characteristics and recent repave, often produces unpredictable racing. The absence of qualifying means teams will have to adapt their race strategies without the benefit of on-track practice and the traditional qualifying runs that often set the tone for the weekend.

The revised starting lineup, determined by the metric, underscores the importance of consistent season-long performance and strong results in the most recent events. For teams like 23XI Racing and drivers like Reddick and Logano, who have started the 2026 season on a high note, this outcome is advantageous. Conversely, drivers and teams who may have been expecting to make significant gains during qualifying or who have had more challenging recent results will need to rely on their pit crews and strategic calls to move forward.

The NASCAR Cup Series’ return to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second race of the 2026 season promises to be an intriguing contest. With the starting grid now set by statistical data rather than pure speed on a given day, the focus will shift to race craft, tire management, and the ability of teams to execute their strategies throughout the 260-lap event. The unique configuration of the Atlanta track, often referred to as a "drafting track" despite its intermediate size, can lead to pack racing and numerous lead changes, irrespective of starting positions.

The cancellation of qualifying serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsports, where the elements can play a significant role. However, the implementation of the metric ensures that a competitive and meaningful starting lineup is still established, allowing the race to proceed as scheduled. All eyes will now be on Sunday afternoon as Tyler Reddick aims to convert his pole position into a second consecutive victory of the 2026 season, while the rest of the field navigates the complexities of Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The adjusted starting order is as follows:

Top 10 Starters:

1. Tyler Reddick (No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota)
2. Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford)
3. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford)
4. Chase Elliott (No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet)
5. Brad Keselowski (No. 6 RFK Racing Ford)
6. Zane Smith (No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford)
7. Chris Buescher (No. 17 RFK Racing Ford)
8. Riley Herbst (No. 15 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford)
9. Bubba Wallace (No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota)
10. Josh Berry (No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Chevrolet)

Notable Starters Outside Top 20:

21. Ross Chastain (No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet)
22. Ryan Blaney (No. 12 Team Penske Ford)
23. Ryan Preece (No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford)
24. Shane van Gisbergen (No. 91 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet)
25. Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)
26. Austin Cindric (No. 2 Team Penske Ford)
27. Connor Zilisch (No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet)
28. Christopher Bell (No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)
29. Chase Briscoe (No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford)
30. Alex Bowman (No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet)

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