WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – For the first time in track history, Watkins Glen International will host a NASCAR Cup Series playoff race. On-track activity for the sport's top division began on Saturday.
Hendrick Motorsports was led by Alex Bowman in qualifying. The driver of the No. 48 Ally Racing Chevrolet was the only driver from Rick Hendrick's team to advance into the final round. Bowman enters Watkins Glen 27 markers above the cutline and will look to back up his victory at the Chicago Street Course with another road course crown on Sunday.
William Byron and Chase Elliott narrowly missed advancing to the final round of qualifying. The No. 24 Liberty University entry will roll off 12th will Elliott will start right behind him in the 14th spot. Byron (+33) and Elliott (+24) will have their sights set on increasing their margin to the cutline with a solid run at Watkins Glen.
Kyle Larson will start from the 20th position at Watkins Glen. The No. 5 HendrickCars.com team will look to rebound from a tough outing at Atlanta Motor Speedway a week prior.
Ross Chastain won the pole for Sunday's 90-lap race.
RELATED: Viewer's guide: Watkins Glen
Over the past few years, Watkins Glen has been nothing but fruitful for Rick Hendrick's team. The organization has swept the last five events in upstate New York with Elliott and Larson each winning twice and Byron leading 66 of 90 laps while cruising to victory last year. All told, Hendrick Motorsports has visited victory lane 11 times at Watkins Glen, the most of any team by four. Jeff Gordon leads the way with four wins.
NASCAR qualifying lineup for Sunday
- Ross Chastain, No. 1
- Martin Truex Jr., No. 19
- Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 16
- Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Austin Cindric, No. 2
- AJ Allmendinger, No. 13
- Joey Logano, No. 22
- Daniel Suarez, No. 99
- Noah Gragson, No. 10
- Michael McDowell, No. 34
- William Byron, No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Chase Briscoe, No. 14
- Kyle Busch, No. 8
- Chase Elliot, No. 14 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Ty Gibbs, No. 54
- Tyler Reddick, No. 45
- Christopher Bell, No. 20
- Corey LaJoie, No. 7
- Zane Smith, No. 71
- Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Ryan Preece, No. 41
- Denny Hamlin, No. 11
- Austin Dillon, No. 3
- Chris Buescher, No. 17
- Erik Jones, No. 43
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47
- Daniel Hemric, No. 31
- Brad Keselowski, No. 6
- Carson Hocevar, No. 77
- Ryan Blaney, No. 12
- Josh Berry, No. 4
- Bubba Wallace, No. 23
- Harrison Burton, No. 21
- Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 50
- John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42
- Justin Haley, No. 51
- Todd Gilliland, No. 38
- Kaz Grala, No. 15
What time is the NASCAR Race?
Sunday's main event from Watkins Glen will take place at 3 p.m. ET with coverage on USA Network, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).