Full Breakdown
Rain Cancels Qualifying, Puts Tyler Reddick on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
5/24/2026, 1:42:49 PM
Weather-Driven Metric Determines Starting Grid
Persistent rain on Saturday forced NASCAR to cancel Cup Series qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Under the rulebook, the full 39-car starting order was set by the sport’s qualifying metric, which awarded pole position to points leader Tyler Reddick (No. 45, 23XI Racing).
Rain Disruption and Schedule Adjustments
The same rain that halted qualifying also delayed practice for the Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series. A jet-dryer truck worked the pit road while officials monitored forecasts that showed a 55 % chance of precipitation on Sunday.
Metric Formula and Points Leader Advantage
The metric combines the driver’s finish and the team’s owner-points ranking from the most recent points-paying race at Watkins Glen International. Sources note a 70 % weight on finish and a 30 % weight on owner points, giving Reddick a metric score of 3.800 and securing the pole.
Key Drivers and Teams
The front row features Reddick beside Ty Gibbs (No. 54, Joe Gibbs Racing). The top five also include Shane van Gisbergen (No. 97, Trackhouse Racing), Michael McDowell (No. 71, Spire Motorsports) and Chase Briscoe (No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing). Austin Hill will start 13th in the renumbered No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, replacing the late Kyle Busch. Katherine Legge, attempting the Double, will start 37th.
Emotional Context: Kyle Busch’s Passing
Kyle Busch died Thursday after severe pneumonia progressed to sepsis. Richard Childress Racing withdrew the No. 8 entry, honoring Busch by fielding the No. 33 car for Hill. The garage observed a moment of silence before cars were unloaded, underscoring the somber tone.
Official Statements & Responses
NASCAR confirmed that the rulebook metric would set the lineup after qualifying was canceled. 23XI Racing and Richard Childress Racing issued statements emphasizing respect for Busch’s family and the decision to renumber the car.
On-the-Ground Reports
Drivers completed a combined practice session before rain returned. Track officials deployed drying equipment throughout Saturday, but the session ended without timed laps.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree the metric draws on the Watkins Glen race; however, the exact weighting formula is not disclosed, leaving the calculation opaque.
Verbatim Quotes
- “(AP) — Points leader Tyler Reddick will start on the pole for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after persistent rain washed out NASCAR Cup Series qualifying on Saturday.” — ESPN
- “UPDATE: Qualifying has been canceled due to inclement weather.” — Beyond the Flag
- “NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass confirmed the cancellation on social media while noting that Cup Series practice and qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 were still tentatively scheduled for Saturday afternoon.” — Heavy.com
- “8 on its car ahead of this weekend's race .” — Sporting News
What's Next
The Coca-Cola 600 will start Sunday night at 6 p.m. ET, weather permitting. Teams will watch the forecast for possible thunderstorms, and the race will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video.
