Ryan Preece captures Cook Out 400 pole, boosting playoff hopes with dominant qualifying at Richmond.
Ryan Preece secured a stunning pole position for the 2025 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, giving himself a vital edge as the NASCAR Cup Series approaches its penultimate regular-seasonrace. With only three playoff spots left to claim, Preece’s performance intensifies the battle among drivers fighting to advance into the Round of 16.
Ryan Preece Clinches Unexpected Pole at Richmond
Starting the race weekend 34 points below the playoff cutoff, Preece surprised many by capturing the pole with a lap time of 22.244 seconds, marking just the second pole position of his career. Driving for RFK Racing, Preece outpaced the rest of the field by nearly one-tenth of a second, edging out Tyler Reddick, who qualified second. Preece’s average speed exceeded 121 mph, making him the only driver to surpass that benchmark during qualifying, showcasing his dominance on Richmond’s short track.
This result places Preece directly alongside one of his closest competitors, Reddick, who currently sits 14th in the standings, on the front row. The advantageous starting spot allows Preece to aggressively pursue stage points early in the race, potentially gaining ground on drivers vying for the remaining playoff spots.
Reflecting on his impressive qualifying run, Preece expressed his excitement and gratitude toward his team, stating,
Image of: Ryan Preece
“What a race car. It might not have shown up in practice, but it did in qualifying.”
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR driver
Strong Performances from Other Playoff Contenders and Surprises in Qualifying
Following Preece and Reddick, A.J. Allmendinger recovered from a pre-qualifying inspection setback to secure third on the grid. Both Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott positioned themselves well with fourth and fifth place starts, respectively. These qualifying results set the stage for an intense race among drivers needing strong finishes to solidify their playoff chances.
The full top ten starting lineup at the Cook Out 400 is:
Further down the field, some notable qualifying stories emerged. Joey Logano, who had wrecked his car in practice, returned after his team completed repairs but was forced to abandon his qualifying attempt due to a severe tire rub. This will result in a last-row start for him. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson struggled to find speed, qualifying a disappointing 30th, continuing his recent challenges.
Playoff Stakes Heighten as Drivers Battle for Final Spots
This season has seen an unprecedented level of competition, with 13 different drivers claiming Cup wins, making the fight for the remaining playoff positions extraordinarily tight. With only three spots left, drivers like Tyler Reddick, Chris Buescher, and Alex Bowman will be eager to capitalize at Richmond, but Ryan Preece’s pole position signals his intent to fight aggressively for postseason qualification.
Richmond Raceway’s short track demands precision and control, qualities Preece demonstrated perfectly in qualifying. His pole-winning effort not only improves his chances of earning crucial points but also increases pressure on his rivals to respond during the Cook Out 400.
Implications for the Playoff Picture Moving Forward
Ryan Preece’s unexpected pole at the Cook Out 400 injects fresh excitement into the playoff race, providing him a platform to challenge the current standings with only one regular-season race remaining after Richmond. The Cook Out 400 will serve as a pivotal moment for drivers on the playoff bubble, where stage points and track position could determine who advances and who falls short.
As the action unfolds, fans can expect an intense and high-stakes race, with several talented drivers aiming to secure their place in the upcoming playoff rounds. Preece’s performance underscores the unpredictability and competitiveness that define this Cup Series season, promising a thrilling contest at Richmond and beyond.
