The first race in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs Round of 8 will have a starting front row of non-playoff drivers.
Tyler Reddick won the pole for Sunday’s race (2:30 p.m. ET, NBC) Saturday and will start alongside Austin Cindric. Reddick and Cindric started the playoffs among the contenders but failed to make the Round of 8.
MORE: Las Vegas Cup starting lineup
MORE: Las Vegas Cup qualifying results
William Byron, in third, was the top qualifying driver among the eight still competing for the championship. Other playoff drivers and their starting spots: Ryan Blaney, fourth; Joey Logano, fifth; Christopher Bell, seventh; Ross Chastain, 11th; Chase Briscoe, 16th; Chase Elliott, 20th; and Denny Hamlin, 31st. It will be Hamlin’s worst start on a paved track this season.
Reddick, who has won four poles in his Cup career, will move to 23XI Racing next year after he finishes this season with Richard Childress Racing.
Elliott leads the points entering the race. Homestead-Miami Speedway and Martinsville Speedway with host the other races in the round.