The NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago features Shane Van Gisbergen, who won the inaugural race in Mexico City, claiming the pole position, and Michael McDowell, who needs a win to secure his playoff spot. Van Gisbergen's prowess at road courses gives him an advantage as they start on the front row. The day was marked by dramatic events, including engine failures and crashes that reshuffled drivers' standings and strategies. Notably, both Denny Hamlin and William Byron, championship contenders, faced setbacks that will hinder their starting positions for the race.

By the Numbers
  • Shane Van Gisbergen secured the pole with a time of 89.656 seconds, 0.468 seconds ahead of Michael McDowell.
  • 41 cars registered for the race, marking the first DNF for a NextGen race outside of the Daytona 500.
Yes, But

Despite Van Gisbergen’s impressive qualifying performance, other drivers, including McDowell and road course specialists, could still pose serious challenges during the race. The unpredictable weather and track conditions further complicate the competition dynamics for all drivers.

State of Play
  • Denny Hamlin suffered an engine failure during practice and will start from the back of the field.
  • William Byron, the championship leader, also encountered issues and will start at the rear after damaging his car during qualifying.
What's Next

The drivers will face mixed weather conditions during the race, likely impacting strategies and outcomes. Key contenders must navigate a challenging track environment while managing the pressure to secure playoff positions.

Bottom Line

Expect intense competition in Chicago as top drivers face pressure to perform under challenging conditions, with playoff implications adding to the stakes. Keep an eye on how weather and track dynamics influence the race outcomes.