NASCAR lineup at Richmond: Starting order, pole for Cook out 400 based on qualifying results

The postseason beckons in the Cup Series, as jockeys jostle for position with just two races left in the regular season.

One of those contests will take place this weekend at Richmond. Its results could go a long way in determining who will claim the Cup Series crown.

Chris Buescher sits 34 points above the cut line, besting fellow Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing driver Ryan Preece for the final spot in postseason play. Richmond Raceway should offer both drivers an opportunity to succeed. RFK Racing has found speed atop the short track, with Buescher nabbing a third-place finish at the site in 2022 and winning at the venue in 2023.

With that, here’s what you need to know about the qualifying results and pole-sitter for Saturday’s race at Richmond, the Cook Out 400. 

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Who won the Cook Out 400 pole for 2025?

Ryan Preece took home the pole during Saturday’s qualifying, outgunning 23XI Racing star Tyler Reddick to sit atop the grid come the start of Sunday’s race.

Preece’s performance represents the second pole of his Cup Series career. He earned the honors at Martinsville while driving for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2023. Preece finds himself just outside the cut line at the moment, trailing teammate Chris Buescher for the final playoff spot. A P1 starting position could go a long way in cutting into that deficit, be it by securing stage points or picking up an all-important win.

Cook Out 400 starting lineup 2025