Martinsville, huh. – Christopher Bell presented an early challenge on Martinsville Speedway on Saturday with a lap that stood up against all the coming in qualifying for Sunday’s cook out 400 (15.00 et on FS1, MRN and Siriusxm Nascar Radio).
The 17th driver to do a run during time attempt, Bell navigated the valuable track of 0.526 miles in 19,718 seconds (96,034 mph) and waited when the 21 drivers who followed took their respective shots on the standard he set.
No one was up to the task, and Bell had his first Busch Light Pole award of the season in No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – also his first on Martinsville and the 14th his career.
Chase Elliott came closest to match Bell’s shipyard. The driver of No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet covered the distance in 19,735 seconds (95,951 mph), just 0.003 seconds faster than teammate and third place Alex Bowman (95.937 mph).
Although he twisted the second fastest lap in Saturday afternoon’s exercise, Bell was not optimistic about his chances for Poland.
“I was a little down in the dumps after the exercise (because of the position in qualified order),” Bell said. “But it was definitely the best qualified session I’ve ever felt out of my car at Martinsville. It was just easy.
“I went out there and the car just had so much grip,” Bell continued. “I am really proud of this (no.) The 20 team. They have worked hard with this Martinsville package. We will see what happens (Sunday), but will obviously start to be a big help.”
Kyle Larson, last Sunday’s winner at Homestead-Miami Speedway, qualified fourth at 95,854 mph. Bell’s teammate, five times Martinsville winner Denny Hamlin, finished fifth at 95,840 mph.
Chris Buescher, Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick and defending race winner William Byron filled the rest of the top 10 online.
Casey Mecars, whose No. 66 Ford failed inspection twice before qualification, will start 37th place in its first Cup series race since 2019.
-As Reid Spencer, Nascar Wire Service. Especially with media at field level.
