Logano Dominates Gateway Qualifying
Joey Logano secures dominant pole position for the upcoming NASCAR Cup race at Gateway.
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Key Points
1
Logano’s pole was the 35th of his 643-race Cup Series career and his second pole of the 2026 season.
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The 0.276-second gap was the largest Cup qualifying margin since Kyle Busch beat Denny Hamlin by 0.277 seconds at Chicagoland in 2017.
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Chris Buescher’s No. 17 RFK Racing team failed pre-race technical inspection twice, costing it pit-stall selection and car chief Joshua Sisco for the weekend.
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Ryan Blaney was fastest in Saturday practice at 135.665 mph and also led the 10-lap average, while Christopher Bell topped the 15-, 20- and 30-lap averages.
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The Enjoy Illinois 300 is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, with additional coverage through HBO Max, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Joey Logano dominated NASCAR Cup qualifying at World Wide Technology Raceway, claiming the pole for Sunday's Enjoy Illinois 300 with a lap of 32.817 seconds at 137.124 mph in his No. 22 Ford. Speedway Digest reported his 0.276-second advantage over defending champion Kyle Larson marked the widest Cup qualifying margin since Kyle Busch beat Denny Hamlin by 0.277 seconds at Chicagoland in 2017 — nearly a decade of pole dominance.
Logano's pole was his 35th in 643 career Cup races and his second of the 2026 season. Yahoo Sports noted Penske's strength, with Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell rounding out the top three, while Chase teams filled all 10 leading spots. Championship leader Denny Hamlin qualified just 10th.
Logano's Commanding Performance at Gateway
Logano has a solid track record at Gateway. STL Racing reported this marked his first pole in five races at the venue. His speed showed in both qualifying runs and practice sessions. The No. 22 team demonstrated consistency across different race conditions, putting Logano in prime position for Sunday's battle.
The driver emphasized maximizing points heading into the postseason stretch. His two wins this season and strong weekend setup suggest momentum entering the race. Logano's dominance in qualifying sends a clear message to the field — the Penske driver is hunting for another championship push.
Chase Drivers Lock Down Top Starting Positions
Ford's Chase brand occupied all 10 of the front-row starters. Ryan Blaney posted the fastest practice speed at 135.665 mph and led the 10-lap average. Christopher Bell topped the 15-, 20-, and 30-lap averages, showcasing the team's strength in sustained performance. This concentration of speed signals Penske's dominance heading into the critical playoff race.
The top five is rounded by Chase Briscoe rounding out the quintet. Winnipeg Free Press noted Logano is seeking a postseason surge as he chases another championship. Meanwhile, championship leader Denny Hamlin's 10th-place start marks a setback for the points leader, giving other contenders an opportunity to gain ground.
Technical Issues Plague Reddick, Buescher, Byron
Not all teams came prepared for Sunday's race. Jayski reported Chris Buescher's No. 17 RFK Racing failed pre-race technical inspection twice, costing the team pit-stall selection and losing car chief Joshua Sisko for the entire weekend. The penalties will force a late-race strategy adjustment.
Tyler Reddick, Chris Buescher, and William Byron start much deeper in the field at 18th, 21st, and 24th respectively. These starting positions will require aggressive driving and strategy calls to crack the top 10. The gaps between front-runners and mid-pack starters suggest Sunday's Enjoy Illinois 300 could feature significant position battles.
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