BELL GETS MARTINSVILLE POLE, SVG 33RD
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 30 March 2025
Christopher Bell has continued his strong form by taking pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville.
Bell’s 19.718s time in the best of two laps system was 0.017s clear of Chase Elliott with the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota the only member of the top four not from Hendrick Motorsports.
Alex Bowman, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin and Chris Buescher will start from the first three rows as less than a tenth covered the top 10.
Shane van Gisbergen managed the 33rd fastest time in the 38-car field with a 20.09s time, 0.372s off the pace.
Bell admitted he was surprised to find such pace and secure his first pole at Martinsville and 14th overall.
“I was kind of down in the dumps after practice (because of the position in the qualifying order),” Bell said.
“But that was definitely the best qualifying session I’ve ever felt out of my car at Martinsville. It was just easy…
“I went out there and the car just had so much grip. I’m really proud of this 20 team. They’ve been working hard on this Martinsville package.
“We’ll see what happens [Sunday], but obviously, starting up front will be a big help.”
Image: NASCAR
The NASCAR Cup Series Martinsville race will take place on Monday, March 31 at 6am AEDT.
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