For the second time in as many weeks, Ryan Blaney will lead the NASCAR Cup Series field to the green for Saturday’s (Aug. 15) Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.
Blaney’s pole is the 16th of his career and his fourth of 2026, tying him with Denny Hamlin for most poles won this year.
Chase Briscoe will start second for Saturday night’s event, lining up on the outside of the front row.
Josh Berry ties his best qualifying result of the season, with a third-place effort. Winner at Iowa Speedway last week, Ty Gibbs, qualified fourth. William Byron was the fastest Chevrolet in fifth, while Ryan Preece, the first driver below the Chase cut line, will roll off sixth.
Bubba Wallace was seventh, while Christopher Bell, runner-up in four of the last races, qualified eighth. The ninth-place starter is two-time Richmond Cup winner Brad Keselowski, while another two-time Richmond Cup race winner in Joey Logano completes the top 10.
Of note, Austin Dillon will start 16th in his quest for a third consecutive win at Richmond.
NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond Starting Lineup
Television coverage for the 2026 Cook Out 400 will be provided by USA and will start at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 15.
