Kyle Busch Makes History: Secures Pole Position for the 2026 Daytona 500!
In a breathtaking turn of events, Kyle Busch has clinched the coveted pole position for the highly-anticipated 68th running of the Daytona 500, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating race. With a lightning-fast lap of 49.006 seconds around the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway, Busch will lead a star-studded field to the green flag in what could be a career-defining moment.
Sharing the front row with Busch is none other than Chase Briscoe, who drives the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. This marks a significant milestone for Busch, as it is his first-ever pole in The Great American Race and his 21st appearance in this legendary event. With the pressure mounting, Busch edged out Briscoe by a mere 0.016 seconds in a gripping final round of qualifying, showcasing his dominance as he led both rounds in this adrenaline-fueled contest.
“This is pretty special,” Busch declared, beaming with pride after securing the pole. “Qualifying on my first pole for the Daytona 500 is something I’ve always dreamed of.” This year, Busch is working with new crew chief Jim Pohlman, and the chemistry appears to be paying off. “A huge thanks to everyone at RCR and ECR Engines for their relentless effort. Let’s hope this momentum carries us through to victory on Sunday!”
For Richard Childress Racing (RCR), this achievement isn't just a personal victory for Busch; it marks their seventh pole position in Daytona 500 history and their first since Austin Dillon kicked off the 2014 season with a pole of his own. The team is buzzing with excitement, and Busch’s performance signals a powerful resurgence for RCR.
The competition was fierce, with Ryan Preece, the winner of the Bowman Gray Clash, claiming third place in qualifying, followed closely by Denny Hamlin in fourth. Corey Heim made a remarkable impression by qualifying fifth in his inaugural Daytona 500 attempt, proving that he’s a contender to watch.
The remainder of the top ten included heavyweights like Alex Bowman, Kyle Larson, Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, and Joey Logano, all of whom will be looking to capitalize on their strong qualifying positions. The stakes are high as the field will be split for the upcoming Duel qualifying races, where the remaining starting positions will be determined.
In a twist of fate, Busch was the only driver to break into the 48-second bracket during the first round of qualifying, leaving his competitors in awe. However, the drama didn't end there. Ty Gibbs narrowly missed advancing to the next round, falling just 0.011 seconds short, a bitter disappointment for the rising star.
Adding to the intrigue, the 2026 season has introduced a new rule prohibiting drivers from using their hands against the window to manipulate airflow during qualifying. Noah Gragson learned this lesson the hard way when his time was disqualified after a lapse in concentration, dubbing himself an 'idiot' for the mistake. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about his chances on the superspeedway.
In more heartwarming news, reigning NASCAR Truck Series champion Corey Heim secured a spot in the field, marking his first Daytona 500 appearance. Meanwhile, JR Motorsports celebrated a thrilling moment as Justin Allgaier earned a spot in the race, igniting emotional celebrations within the Earnhardt pit. Allgaier's last-second qualification saw him edge out LaJoie by a razor-thin margin of just 0.004 seconds, leaving LaJoie to battle for one of the remaining slots in the Duel qualifying races.
Kelley-Earnhardt Miller expressed her elation, stating, “It feels really good. We’re super proud of Justin.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. chimed in, emphasizing the exhilarating nature of the sport and the thrilling atmosphere of competition.
As the clock ticks down to race day, fans and teams alike are poised for an unforgettable Daytona 500 showdown. Will Busch finally capture the elusive victory he so desires? Or will a dark horse emerge from the pack? One thing is for certain: the stage is set for a race that will go down in history!








