This Saturday, fans gathered at Phoenix Raceway to witness an exciting qualifying session for the NASCAR Cup Series, where William Byron stole the show, clinching the pole position for the highly anticipated Shriners Children’s 500 set for Sunday afternoon. Let’s dive into the highlights and notable performances from this thrilling qualifying event!
Byron Takes the Pole Position
William Byron, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet, achieved an impressive qualifying time of 26.930 seconds, securing his first pole of the 2025 season and the 14th of his career. This remarkable performance sets him up ideally for the upcoming race, allowing him to start from the most advantageous spot on the grid. The excitement on track was palpable as fans cheered for Byron, hoping he can convert his pole position into victory during the race on Sunday.
Joey Logano Close Behind
In a closely contested session, two-time champion Joey Logano finished just behind Byron, claiming second place with a qualifying time of 27.028 seconds. This marks Logano’s eighth time starting in the front row at Phoenix, showcasing his strong skills at this track. Given the tight competition, race day promises to be thrilling as both Byron and Logano aim for a win.
Others Making Headlines
Not everyone had smooth sailing during qualifying. Driver Chris Buescher had a rough moment, hitting the wall but still managed to qualify ninth with a time of 27.168 seconds. Meanwhile, Carson Hocevar, who was just shy of clinching a front-row spot, finished third after a solid qualifying run. Each driver’s performance adds to the storyline of the race, ensuring fans will have plenty to talk about!
Key Qualifying Insights
- William Byron secured the pole position for the Shriners Children’s 500.
- Joey Logano will start alongside him on the front row.
- Chris Buescher faced challenges but still qualified respectably in ninth.
- Carson Hocevar impressed with a strong third-place finish in qualifying.
- The race is scheduled for Sunday, March 9th, at 2:30 p.m. CT.
- Fans can watch the race live on Amazon Prime Video.
Race Day Details
As fans gear up for race day, they can expect an exciting atmosphere at Phoenix Raceway. The Shriners Children’s 500 promises a day filled with adrenaline and challenges as the drivers navigate the twists and turns of this legendary track. Spectators should be prepared for a sunny day with temperatures reaching a pleasant 68 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for a day out at the races!
Weekend Schedule at Phoenix
This weekend is packed with action for NASCAR fans. Starting on Saturday morning, the Xfinity series will run their practice and qualifying races, setting the stage for an exhilarating lineup. The main events continue with the Cup Series practice and qualifying occurring in the afternoon, leading to the much-awaited Shriners Children’s 500 on Sunday. Here is a quick overview of the weekend:
| Event | Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Series Practice | March 8 | 11:30 AM |
| Xfinity Series Race | March 8 | 5:00 PM |
| Cup Series Practice | March 9 | 2:00 PM |
| Cup Series Qualifying | March 9 | 3:05 PM |
| Shriners Children’s 500 Race | March 9 | 2:30 PM |
The anticipation continues to build as fans await the roar of the engines and the fierce competition on track. With Byron starting strong and contenders like Logano and Buescher ready to challenge him, the Shriners Children’s 500 promises to be a race filled with excitement and surprises!