Michael McDowell Makes History With Atlanta Pole Position

Michael McDowell has etched his name into the annals of NASCAR history, securing the pole position for the upcoming Sunday race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Historically, securing four consecutive superspeedway pole awards is a feat that dates back to the likes of Bill Elliott from 1985 to 1986. McDowell’s triumphs at Atlanta-1, Talladega, Daytona-2, and now Atlanta-2 symbolize his exceptional season, given that he had no poles prior to this year.

With five pole positions across 27 races, McDowell’s resurgence marks a remarkable turnaround.

Front Row Motorsports, McDowell’s team, has demonstrated exceptional performance this season, particularly on the superspeedways. Their collaboration with Ford and an alliance with Team Penske has been instrumental in optimizing their performance.

His five poles surpass the combined total of Team Penske’s drivers—Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and Austin Cindric—who collectively hold four poles.

“Yeah, I would have told you you’re lying,” McDowell said when he was asked if he’d believe his success this season. “I think coming into this weekend, [sitting] on the pole in the spring race earlier in the season, I felt that pressure to come back here and have another shot at it.

“We executed our plan well today. You know, as far as whether it’s an indication for tomorrow, I don’t think it’s a huge indicator of anything…”

On race day, the Atlanta starting line-up will see Michael McDowell lead from the front row, flanked by Ryan Blaney. Todd Gilliland, Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe make up the top ten qualifiers.

It’s noteworthy that Ford occupies the first five positions and seven of the top ten, proving their manufacturing strength this season.

Notable qualifiers outside the top ten include Harrison Burton at P12, Noah Gragson at P13, and Chris Buescher at P17.

2024 NASCAR Atlanta Qualifying Results

1. Michael McDowell, No. 38
2. Ryan Blaney, No. 12
3. Todd Gilliland, No. 38
4. Josh Berry, No. 4
5. Austin Cindric, No. 2
6. Kyle Larson, No. 5
7. Joey Logano, No. 22
8. Austin Dillon, No. 3
9. William Byron, No. 24
10. Chase Briscoe, No. 14
11. Alex Bowman, No. 48
12. Harrison Burton, No. 21
13. Noah Gragson, No. 10
14. Daniel Hemric, No. 31
15. Kyle Busch, No. 8
16. Chase Elliott, No. 9
17. Chris Buescher, No. 17
18. Ross Chastain, No. 1
19. Brad Keselowski, No. 6
20. Ty Gibbs, No. 54
21. Ryan Preece, No. 41
22. Martin Truex Jr., No. 19
23. Tyler Reddick, No. 45
24. Bubba Wallace, No. 23
25. Corey LaJoie, No. 7
26. Christopher Bell, No. 20
27. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47
28. Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 16
29. Justin Haley, No. 51
30. Daniel Suarez No. 99
31. Cody Ware No. 15
32. Carson Hocevar, No. 77
33. Erik Jones, No. 43
34. Zane Smith, No. 71
35. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42
36. BJ McLeod, No. 78
37. JJ Yeley, No. 44
38. Denny Hamlin, No. 11