O’Reilly Auto Parts Series At Atlanta: Full Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 Starting Lineup

The NASCAR O’Reilly Series returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for one of the most demanding early‑season challenges, and a new storyline takes center stage: Corey Day’s long‑anticipated debut. But before Day rolls off for his first start at the 1.54‑mile quad‑oval, the field will be led to green by Sam Mayer, who captured the pole with a commanding qualifying run that set the tone for a highly competitive grid.

Mayer’s speed established the benchmark early, and his presence at the front adds another layer of intensity to a race already rich with storylines. For Day, the weekend marks a major milestone. The 20‑year‑old Hendrick Motorsports newcomer delivered a poised, composed qualifying performance Friday evening, securing a ninth‑place starting position in his No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet.

For a driver who has only recently transitioned from off‑road racing to stock cars, Day’s ability to adapt to Atlanta’s unique blend of superspeedway‑style drafting and abrasive tire wear is a testament to both his natural talent and the preparation behind Hendrick Motorsports’ return to the series. Day’s lap wasn’t just quick. It was controlled.

His second‑round time of 32.036 seconds showcased a driver who not only found raw speed but also understood how to manage the track’s narrow groove and turbulent air. Atlanta is notorious for punishing inexperience, especially in qualifying, where precision matters as much as aggression.

For Hendrick Motorsports, which hasn’t fielded an O’Reilly Series entry at Atlanta since 2007, Day’s top‑10 effort signals both preparation and potential as the organization reenters the series with a rising talent capable of delivering immediate results.

Qualifying Overview: Who Delivered, Who Struggled, And Why It Matters

Mayer Sets the Benchmark

Sam Mayer claimed the pole with a 31.804‑second lap, displaying the precision and stability required to manage Atlanta’s narrow groove. His ability to maintain momentum through the center of the corner separated him from the field and established the No. 41 as the car to beat heading into Saturday.

Mayer’s lap was a product of both mechanical grip and aerodynamic efficiency, allowing him to carry speed through the transitions where many drivers struggled with balance. His pole run also reinforces the strength of his team’s early‑season program, which has shown consistent speed across multiple track types.

Kvapil and Gray Keep the Pressure On

Carson Kvapil and Taylor Gray locked out the remainder of the top three with laps of 31.885 and 31.905 seconds. Kvapil’s run was built on consistency, with both of his qualifying laps within a tight margin, a clear sign of a stable car and a driver comfortable pushing the limits.

Gray, meanwhile, showed impressive mid‑corner rotation, allowing him to maintain throttle commitment where others had to lift. Both drivers demonstrated the balance needed to stay competitive once the pack forms, and their qualifying speed suggests they will be major factors in the early drafting lines on Saturday.

Day’s Debut Speed Shows Immediately

Corey Day’s ninth‑place qualifying effort was one of the session’s most notable performances. Making his first laps at Atlanta, Day advanced through the opening round before delivering a composed second‑round run that placed him inside the top 10. His ability to adapt quickly to the track’s superspeedway‑style draft and high‑load corners underscores the raw talent that has defined his rapid rise from off‑road racing to stock cars.

Day’s feedback throughout practice indicated growing comfort with the car’s behavior in traffic, and his qualifying result reflects a driver who is learning quickly and executing with maturity beyond his experience.

Key Developments From Qualifying

Ruggiero and Smith Show Strength

Giovanni Ruggiero and Sammy Smith both posted strong laps inside the top eight, reinforcing their teams’ early‑season speed. Ruggiero’s 32.006‑second lap placed him seventh, and his ability to maintain speed through the center of the corner suggests he will be a factor in long‑run scenarios.

Smith’s 32.031 effort secured eighth, and his car appeared particularly stable on corner entry a trait that will matter once the field settles into multi‑lane drafting packs. Both drivers have shown steady improvement this season, and their qualifying results reflect teams that are dialing in their setups with increasing precision.

Veterans and Newcomers Mix Throughout the Field

Sheldon Creed, William Sawalich, and Rajah Caruth all delivered competitive laps inside the top six, while drivers like Patrick Staropoli, Brandon Jones, and Joey Gase filled out a tightly packed mid‑field. The session highlighted the blend of experience and emerging talent that defines the O’Reilly Series grid.

Several drivers noted that the track’s changing conditions, with cooling temperatures and shifting winds, made it difficult to predict how the car would behave from lap to lap. Those who adapted quickly found speed; those who hesitated found themselves deeper in the field.

Cram Misses the Cut

Dawson Cram was the lone driver to miss the field, posting a 33.577‑second lap in the No. 74. With 38 drivers attempting to qualify, the margin for error was razor‑thin. Cram’s team battled handling issues throughout practice, and despite improvements.

However, they were unable to find the speed needed to crack the top 38. His DNQ underscores how competitive the series has become, especially at tracks where drafting and momentum amplify even the smallest setup deficiencies.

Full Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Atlanta

• 1. Sam Mayer — No. 41 — Haas Factory Team
• 2. Carson Kvapil — No. 1 — JR Motorsports
• 3. Taylor Gray — No. 54 — Joe Gibbs Racing
• 4. Sheldon Creed — No. 00 — Haas Factory Team
• 5. William Sawalich — No. 18 — Joe Gibbs Racing
• 6. Rajah Caruth — No. 88 — JR Motorsports
• 7. Giovanni Ruggiero — No. 19 — Joe Gibbs Racing
• 8. Sammy Smith — No. 8 — JR Motorsports
• 9. Corey Day — No. 17 — Hendrick Motorsports
• 10. Jesse Love — No. 2 — Richard Childress Racing
• 11. Justin Allgaier — No. 7 — JR Motorsports
• 12. Ryan Sieg — No. 39 — RSS Racing
• 13. Harrison Burton — No. 24 — Sam Hunt Racing
• 14. Patrick Staropoli — No. 48 — Big Machine Racing
• 15. Brandon Jones — No. 20 — Joe Gibbs Racing
• 16. Joey Gase — No. 35 — Joey Gase Motorsports
• 17. Dean Thompson — No. 26 — Sam Hunt Racing
• 18. Kyle Sieg — No. 28 — RSS Racing
• 19. Mason Maggio — No. 91 — DGM Racing X JIM
• 20. Austin Hill — No. 21 — Richard Childress Racing
• 21. Josh Williams — No. 92 — DGM Racing X JIM
• 22. Blaine Perkins — No. 31 — Jordan Anderson Racing
• 23. Parker Retzlaff — No. 99 — Viking Motorsports
• 24. Anthony Alfredo — No. 96 — Viking Motorsports
• 25. Jeb Burton — No. 27 — Jordan Anderson Racing
• 26. Ryan Ellis — No. 02 — Young’s Motorsports
• 27. Luke Fenhaus — No. 5 — Hettinger Racing
• 28. Nick Sanchez — No. 25 — AM Racing
• 29. Garrett Smithley — No. 0 — SS GreenLight Racing
• 30. Ross Chastain — No. 32 — Jordan Anderson Racing
• 31. Austin Green — No. 87 — Peterson Racing Group
• 32. Jeremy Clements — No. 51 — Jeremy Clements Racing
• 33. Brennan Poole — No. 44 — Alpha Prime Racing
• 34. Lavar Scott — No. 45 — Alpha Prime Racing
• 35. Josh Bilicki — No. 07 — SS‑GreenLight Racing
• 36. Cody Ware — No. 30 — Barrett Cope Racing
• 37. Chad Finchum — No. 55 — Joey Gase Motorsports
• 38. Nick Leitz — No. 42 — Young’s Motorsports
• DNQ: Dawson Cram — No. 74 — Mike Harmon Racing

Who Looks Strongest Heading Into Race Day

Hendrick Motorsports enters Saturday with a compelling storyline. Day’s ninth‑place start gives the organization a legitimate shot at running inside the lead pack early, while Haas Factory Team’s Mayer, JR Motorsports’ Kvapil, and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Gray anchor a front row loaded with speed. The mix of veteran presence and rising talent suggests a dynamic race once the draft forms and the lanes begin to shift.

Atlanta’s pack‑style racing rewards drivers who can anticipate runs and manage side‑drafting pressure, and several of the top qualifiers have shown an ability to control lanes effectively. Day’s biggest challenge will be learning how the air behaves in multi‑car packs, but his qualifying performance indicates he’s already developing a feel for the track’s rhythm.

What Atlanta’s Layout Means for Saturday

Atlanta’s reconfiguration has transformed the track into a hybrid superspeedway, where drafting, lane control, and timing matter as much as raw horsepower. The narrow groove forces drivers to commit early, and the wrong push can instantly derail a run. Tire wear remains a defining factor, and drivers who balance aggression with preservation will be positioned to strike late.

The track’s abrasive surface punishes over‑driving, especially in the first half of a run, and those who manage their tires effectively often find themselves with opportunities in the closing laps. For a rookie like Day, understanding how the track evolves over a long green‑flag stretch will be crucial.

Championship Implications

With a deep field and only a limited number of playoff spots available, early‑season consistency is critical. Mayer’s pole gives him an opportunity to build momentum, while drivers like Caruth, Sawalich, and Creed are positioned to capitalize on strong qualifying efforts.

For Day, a clean, competitive run could accelerate his integration into the series and strengthen Hendrick Motorsports’ long‑term development plans. The organization’s decision to return to the O’Reilly Series reflects a broader commitment to cultivating young talent, and Day’s performance this weekend could influence how aggressively they expand their program moving forward.

What’s Next

Corey Day’s ninth‑place qualifying run was more than a strong debut. It was a statement. Hendrick Motorsports returns to Atlanta with renewed purpose, and Day’s adaptability has already placed him in the conversation as one of the most intriguing newcomers in the field.

With a fast car, a top‑10 starting spot, and a track known for unpredictable finishes, Saturday’s race promises to test every facet of his skill set. The green flag drops at 5 p.m. ET on the CW, and 38 drivers will take on one of NASCAR’s most demanding tracks, each chasing momentum, points, and the chance to shape the early narrative of the O’Reilly Series season.