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Ross Chastain captures Daytona Cup pole position as a life achievement

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 29, 2026, 3:30 PM

Last updated Aug 29, 2026

Ross Chastain captures Daytona Cup pole position as a life achievement

Summary

Ross Chastain secured pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona on August 29, edging out Chris Buescher by half a tenth. This marks Chastain's third career pole in the series, following previous poles at Watkins Glen in 2024 and Nashville in 2023. He described the achievement as a significant moment, reflecting on his childhood memories at Daytona, where he often dreamed of racing. Chastain's teammates, Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, qualified sixth and seventh. Chastain acknowledged his desire to support van Gisbergen in the Chase, while also aiming for a win, having not won since 2025.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports Motorsport.com

By the Numbers

•Chastain wins pole position at Daytona on August 29.
•He finished ahead of Chris Buescher for the top spot.
•This is Chastain's third career pole in the Cup Series.
•Teammates van Gisbergen and Zilisch qualified sixth and seventh.
•Chastain aims to assist van Gisbergen in the Chase standings.

Latest Updates

3:30 PMYahoo Sports — Florida native Ross Chastain calls Daytona Cup pole a "life achievement"
3:30 PMMotorsport.com — Daytona Cup pole is a special "life achievement" for Florida native Ross Chastain

What they're saying

"
Ross Chastain has never been known for his qualifying performances. In fact, he became the only driver to ever win the Coca-Cola 600 from last place on the grid in 2025. But Friday at Daytona, he rocketed to the top of the charts, taking pole position by half-a-tenth over Chris Buescher. It's just Chastain's third career pole in the NASCAR Cup Series, with his other two P1s coming at Watkins ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com