Bristol, Tennessee Sept 21, V7N– Alex Bowman continued his strong performance in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs by clinching the pole position for Saturday's Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. In the final round of time trials, Bowman completed a lap in 15.142 seconds (126.720 mph), narrowly edging out his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron, who clocked in at 126.695 mph.

Bowman's achievement marks his first Busch Light Pole Award of the season and the fifth of his career. "In qualifying, I had a lot of grip," Bowman said, reflecting on his performance. "I was a little bit too tight... starting up front is really important," especially as this race serves as an elimination round in the playoffs.
Bowman and Byron both qualified in Group B, with Byron starting third. Kyle Larson, who was the fastest from Group A at 126.378 mph, will join Bowman on the front row.

Bowman enters this critical race fourth in the playoff standings, 41 points above the cut line for the Round of 12. The bottom four drivers in the 16-driver playoff field will be eliminated after this race.
Other notable performances included Chase Elliott, who qualified 10th, ensuring all four Hendrick drivers advanced to the final round. Martin Truex Jr. secured the fourth starting spot, while Denny Hamlin qualified eighth, both looking to improve their standings as they fight to stay in the playoff race.

The starting lineup also features Chase Briscoe in fifth and points leader Christopher Bell in sixth. Non-playoff drivers Carson Hocevar and Corey LaJoie will start seventh and ninth, respectively.
As the playoff tension builds, all eyes will be on the action at Bristol, known for its high-stakes racing and challenging track conditions. The race is set to begin Saturday night, promising an exciting showdown as drivers vie for crucial points in the championship battle.

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