Arica Almirola will start on the pole for Saturday’s Cup race at Pocono Raceway (3:30 p.m. ET on Fox) after a random draw on Thursday. The race is the first of a weekend doubleheader for the Cup Series at the Pennsylvania track.
This will be Almirola’s fourth start on the front row in the last six races, but his first from the pole position.
Almirola will be joined on the front row by Talladega winner Ryan Blaney.
The top five is completed by Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott.
Click here for the starting lineup.
The field was determined through a random draw of the following groups:
- Positions 1-12: Random draw from charter teams in those positions in owner points
- Positions 13-24: Random draw from charter teams in those positions in owner points
- Positions 25-36: Random draw from charter teams in those positions in owner points
- Positions 37-40: Open teams in order of owners points
For Sunday’s Cup race, the starting lineup will not be set by a random draw. The top-20 finishers from Saturday will be inverted. Drivers who finish 21st through 40th will start in the same spot Sunday.
Check back for the full lineup.
NASCAR Cup Series at Pocono
Race Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday
Track: Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania (2.5-mile speedway)
Length: 130 laps, 325 miles
Stages: Stage 1 ends on Lap 25. Stage 2 ends on Lap 77.
TV coverage: Fox
Radio: Motor Racing Network (also SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Streaming: Fox Sports app (subscription required); mrn.com and SiriusXM for audio (subscription required)
Next Xfinity race: Sunday at Pocono (90 laps, 225 miles), 12:30 p.m. ET on FS1
Next Truck Series race: Saturday at Pocono (60 laps, 150 miles), 12:30 p.m. ET on FS1