Michael McDowell wins 7th career pole at Pennzoil 400

Field Level Media|published: Sun 16th March, 03:21 2025

Mar 8, 2025; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell (71) during qualifying for the Shrines Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LAS VEGAS -- Spire Racing's Michael McDowell captured pole position for the seventh time in his career during Saturday's qualifying session for the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. McDowell's previous six poles all came during the 2024 season, his 17th in the Cup Series.

Joey Logano will start Sunday's race alongside McDowell on the front of the grid, qualifying in the top two at Las Vegas for the third time in five races. Austin Cindric will start third, while Vegas native Kyle Busch starts in fourth.

Christopher Bell qualified in 13th position as he searches for that elusive fourth consecutive win. Lackluster qualifying hasn't been a deterrent for Bell thus far, as he started 19th before winning at Circuit of the Americas and 32nd before winning at Atlanta.

--By Will Despart, Field Level Media.