Rockingham Stunner: Rookie Claims Pole by 0.001s Despite Flat Tire, Kasey Kahne Shines

What’s Happening?

The long-awaited return to Rockingham is finally here. After an exciting Truck Series race on Friday, it’s now the Xfinity Series’ turn to take the spotlight. One of the biggest stories of the weekend is Kasey Kahne’s comeback, as despite an eight-year absence from stock car racing, Kahne has shown he’s not just there to race, but to contend. His strong pace in practice and qualifying has quickly established him as a serious threat for the win.

In the end, it was the 18-year-old rookie Connor Zilisch who stunned the field. He earned the pole by a tiny margin of just 0.001 seconds over Parker Retzlaff. Due to a tire change, Zilisch will be forced to start at the rear. His tire began smoking and went flat through turns 3 and 4, causing a dramatic slide off Turn 4. Still, his 22.630-second lap stood atop the board, an incredible feat for the driver of the No. 88 JR. Motorsports Chevy.

Practice Results

• Fastest Lap: Carson Kvapil – 22.899s
• Best Overall Average: Sheldon Creed – 23.899s
• Best 5-Lap Average: Kasey Kahne – 23.550s
• Best 10-Lap Average: Kasey Kahne – 23.654s
• Best 15-Lap Average: Kasey Kahne – 23.728s
• Best 20-Lap Average: Kasey Kahne – 23.768s
• Best 25-Lap Average: Sammy Smith – 23.832s
• Best 30-Lap Average: Sammy Smith – 23.843s

Starting Lineup – Notables

• Connor Zilisch set the fastest time in qualifying but will drop to the rear due to a tire change.
• Parker Retzlaff will inherit the pole position. His qualifying effort marks Alpha Prime Racing’s best-ever starting spot.
• Nick Sanchez continues his strong form and will start P3.
• After an eight-year absence, Kasey Kahne lines up 4th in his return to stock cars.
• Despite topping the charts in practice, Carson Kvapil will start deep in the field in 25th.

Drivers to Watch

• Kasey Kahne: Kahne returns to Rockingham with a strong resume. Although he hasn’t been successful in Xfinity at this track, he nearly won a Cup race here, missing out by just 0.010 seconds. He also won his only Truck Series start at the venue. Starting 4th and demonstrating impressive speed in practice, Kahne is the field’s most experienced driver; he will be dangerous.
• Justin Allgaier: The reigning series champion enters the weekend with an 83-point lead in the standings and a dominant record on tracks one mile or shorter. Starting 8th, Allgaier looks to further extend his advantage.
• Sammy Smith: A short-track specialist, Smith logged more consecutive laps than any other driver in practice. His car displayed solid long-run pace, and he’ll start 13th with plenty of upside.
• Sheldon Creed: Still searching for his first Xfinity win, Creed looked strong in practice, recording the best overall average. While starting 17th, his car is apparently built for the long-run.
• Connor Zilisch: The rookie made headlines with his pole-winning run, despite finishing the lap with a flat tire and a wild slide through Turn 4. He’ll start from the rear, but expect him to charge forward early.
• Parker Retzlaff: Retzlaff now starts from the pole after Zilisch’s penalty. It’s the best qualifying result in Alpha Prime Racing history. If he maintains composure, this could be a breakout day.

Pit Stall Selections

Race Info

• Start Time: 4:05 PM EST
• Broadcast: CW Network
• Race Distance: 250 Laps | 235 Miles
• Stage Lengths: 60 | 60 | 130
• Tire Allotment: 5 sets
• Fuel Window: 94–98 laps
• Chance of Rain: 0%
• Pole Time: Connor Zilisch – 22.630s
• Outside Pole: Parker Retzlaff – 22.631s
• Did Not Qualify: Katherine Legge (#32), Dawson Cram (#74)

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