Chris Buescher led Ford in qualifying at Talladega, advancing to the second round and earning fifth for Sunday’s YellaWood 500. The other nine Ford drivers qualified 16th or lower. Joey Logano, 44 points behind with three races left, says he needs to attack and score in every stage to stay in championship contention.

By the Numbers
  • Buescher qualified fifth, the highest-placed Ford driver.
  • Ford’s other qualifying positions: Logano 16th, Ryan Preece 19th, Josh Berry 21st, Brad Keselowski 22nd, Ryan Blaney 27th, Austin Cindric 28th, Zane Smith 31st, Todd Gilliland 35th and Noah Gragson 39th.
  • Logano is 44 points behind with three races remaining and sits sixth.
Yes, But

Buescher was encouraged by the team’s speed but noted that single-car qualifying can’t answer how the revised package will affect race handling and drafting. Logano also cautioned that Talladega races differently from Daytona, leaving the performance of the draft and the third lane uncertain.

What's Next

Sunday’s race will show whether Ford’s qualifying pace carries over and how the package shapes the racing lanes. Logano says he needs stage points and a shot at the win to keep his title hopes alive.

Bottom Line

Buescher gives Ford a strong starting point, but the rest of the lineup faces a climb. For Logano, Talladega is a must-attack opportunity—not a race to play it safe.