Pennzoil 400 Practice & Qualifying

The Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is one of the most exciting events in the NASCAR Cup Series. Every year, top drivers battle for supremacy on the 1.5-mile track, delivering high-speed action and dramatic finishes. Before the green flag waves on race day, two crucial sessions take place—practice and qualifying. These sessions set the stage for what fans can expect in the main event, offering insights into which drivers have the fastest cars, who’s struggling, and who might pull off a surprise performance.

This article will break down the practice sessions and qualifying results for the 2024 Pennzoil 400, highlight the biggest storylines, and analyze how the starting grid could impact the race outcome.

The Importance of Practice & Qualifying in NASCAR

Before diving into the Pennzoil 400 results, let’s first understand why practice and qualifying are so important.

Why Practice Matters

Unlike traditional stick-and-ball sports, where teams play multiple games per week, NASCAR teams have only one race per weekend. That means they must maximize their limited track time during practice to fine-tune their cars.

Practice allows teams to:

• Test their setups – Crew chiefs and engineers adjust tire pressures, suspension settings, and aerodynamics.

• Analyze long-run performance – The Pennzoil 400 is a long race, so having a car that handles well over 267 laps is critical.

• Understand track conditions – Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s temperature and grip levels change throughout the day.

Why Qualifying Matters

Qualifying determines the starting positions for the race. In NASCAR, starting at the front is a huge advantage because:

• The leader controls the pace of the race.

• There’s less chance of getting caught in an early wreck.

• Clean air helps the car handle better, improving speed.

Now, let’s get into what happened during practice and qualifying for the 2024 Pennzoil 400.

2024 Pennzoil 400 Practice Results

The practice sessions saw drivers push their cars to the limit as they prepared for qualifying. Some teams focused on one-lap speed, while others worked on long-run pace to simulate race conditions.

Top Performers in Practice

1. Tyler Reddick – The King of Long Runs

• Reddick posted the fastest 10-lap and 15-lap averages in Group A.

• His car looked smooth and consistent, making him a serious contender for race day.

2. Bubba Wallace – Sneaky Fast

• Wallace showed impressive speed, ranking second in the 15-lap averages.

• If his team can maintain this pace, he could be a dark horse for the win.

3. Ross Chastain – Early Speed Leader

• Chastain topped the speed charts early in practice before other drivers caught up.

• His aggressive driving style could make him dangerous in the race.

2024 Pennzoil 400 Qualifying Results

After practice, it was time for the all-important qualifying session. The goal? Lay down the fastest lap possible and secure the pole position.

Who Won the Pole?

1. Joey Logano – Fastest Man at Las Vegas

• Logano claimed the pole position with a lightning-fast lap of 29.024 seconds at 186.053 mph.

• His strong qualifying performance gives him a prime starting spot, which will help him avoid mid-pack chaos.

2. William Byron – Right Behind

• Byron secured the second position with a lap time of 29.165 seconds.

• He has been one of the most consistent drivers on intermediate tracks.

3. Ryan Blaney – Third on the Grid

• Blaney rounded out the top three with a 29.205-second lap.

• With a fast car and a great starting spot, he’s in contention for the win.

How the Starting Grid Could Shape the Race

With qualifying complete, the Pennzoil 400 lineup is set. Here’s how the starting positions could impact Sunday’s race:

Front Row Advantage: Logano & Byron

• Joey Logano has the clean air advantage, allowing him to dictate the early pace.

• William Byron, starting second, will have to be aggressive if he wants to take the lead early.

Drivers Who Could Move Up Quickly

• Kyle Larson (Starting 5th) – He has a history of charging through the field at Vegas.

• Ross Chastain (Starting 8th) – Known for his aggressive moves, expect him to make up positions fast.

Drivers in the Danger Zone

• Denny Hamlin (Starting 17th) – He’ll have to work hard to get to the front.

• Chase Elliott (Starting 20th) – A poor qualifying session puts him at risk in the mid-pack battles.

What to Expect on Race Day

With the starting grid set, the stage is ready for the 2024 Pennzoil 400. Here are the key storylines heading into the race:

1. Can Joey Logano Convert the Pole into a Win?

Logano’s track position gives him an early advantage, but history shows that starting on the pole doesn’t guarantee a win. He’ll need to manage his tires and adjust to track conditions.

2. Will Tyler Reddick’s Long-Run Speed Pay Off?

Reddick looked fast in practice, especially over multiple laps. If he stays patient early on, he could be a serious contender by the final stage.

3. Who Will Make the Biggest Moves?

Drivers like Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Denny Hamlin will need to gain positions quickly. Expect aggressive driving, bold pit strategies, and possibly a few heated battles.

4. Will There Be Late-Race Drama?

The Pennzoil 400 has seen overtime finishes and last-lap passes in the past. If a late caution comes out, expect a chaotic sprint to the checkered flag.

Final Predictions: Who Will Win the 2024 Pennzoil 400?

Based on practice speeds, qualifying results, and past performances at Las Vegas, here are the top contenders:

1. Kyle Larson – The Safe Bet

• Larson has won multiple races at Las Vegas.

• He starts inside the top 5, giving him a great shot at the win.

2. Joey Logano – The Pole Sitter

• He has a fast car and the best track position.

• The question is whether his team can adjust to changing conditions throughout the race.

3. Tyler Reddick – The Dark Horse

• If long-run speed matters, Reddick is the guy to watch.

• If the race stays green for long stretches, he could steal the victory.

4. William Byron – The Consistent Performer

• Byron rarely makes mistakes and knows how to manage his tires.

• If he can stay near the front all day, he’ll have a shot in the final laps.

Conclusion: Buckle Up for a Thrilling Pennzoil 400

With practice and qualifying complete, the field is set for an exciting Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The combination of speed, strategy, and unpredictability makes this race a must-watch event.

Will Joey Logano capitalize on his pole position? Can Kyle Larson or Tyler Reddick charge to the front? Will there be a last-lap pass for the win? NASCAR fans won’t want to miss it!

Who do you think will win the Pennzoil 400? Drop your predictions in the comments!