Ross Chastain emotional after winning first career pole ahead of Ally 400

This qualifying session had a bit of everything but Ross Chastain is the one who came away with the NASCAR Ally 400 pole award. We had a mix of Fords, Chevys, and Toyotas. This hot and slick concrete track proved to be trouble for a few drivers. More than one found their car spinning out from under them at some point. Including in the final round.

The good news is that Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez were FAST. Suárez just so happened to hit the wall in his final qualifying run. This is a big weekend for the team and they could really use a couple of big-time performances.

Chastain was strong in the first qualifying round and just carried that through to the second round. The Melon Man got emotional after taking the pole, the first of his Cup Series career. Had tears in his eyes talking to NBC about overcoming frustration and finally coming away with a pole award.

There’s no doubt he has had frustrations this season as well.

A big day for Ross Chastain and a big day for Trackhouse Racing. This could have been an even better day if the 99 hadn’t spun out as well.

The crazy thing is, team owner Justin Marks won a pole award of his own this weekend. Marks is leading the Trans Am Series to green at Mid-Ohio this afternoon. A weekend that will be remembered for a long time to come at Trackhouse. Chastain really needed this break.

Ross Chastain takes the pole in Music City

There were four Toyotas in the final qualifying session. Tyler Reddick, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, and Bubba Wallace all made it to the top-10. Those 23XI Racing drivers seemed to have something figured out on the track. However, the Chevys were the story of the final round.

It wasn’t just the Trackhouse Racing guys. Justin Haley made an impressive run to the final round of qualifying and was able to beat out veteran drivers and Cup Series champions. Truly an impressive performance for the Kaulig Racing driver. Kyle Larson and William Byron represented Hendrick Motorsports in the final round.

Ross Chastain will lead things off in the Ally 400. Winning the pole is going to do so much for his confidence as the team prepares for this race knowing they have speed to beat out anybody.