Rain and lightning wiped out qualifying for the Autotrader 400 at Atlanta, so NASCAR turned to its new backup formula to set the field. Rather than single-lap times, starting spots were decided by a composite score: 70% based on each entry’s finish in the most recent race and 30% on owner points — the procedure introduced for that now kicks in whenever weather cancels qualifying.
That metric put Tyler Reddick on the pole in the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, along with the prized preferred pit stall — a modest advantage that can pay off during green-flag stops. Joey Logano will join him on the front row in the No. 22 Ford. Reddick and Logano were followed by Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski. Zane Smith, Chris Buescher, Riley Herbst, Bubba Wallace and Josh Berry filled spots six through ten.
The lineup highlights how the formula reshuffles the order: drivers who finished well in the season opener rose up, while the 30% owner-points piece still gave established teams a boost. But several big names slid back — Ross Chastain starts 21st, Ryan Blaney 22nd, Ryan Preece 26th, Denny Hamlin 29th, Austin Cindric 30th and Chase Briscoe 34th — meaning they’ll need to pick their way forward from traffic.
With no qualifying laps to dial in a one-shot setup, practice took on extra importance. Teams used the sessions to focus on race trim and short-run pace rather than single-lap speed; crews that hit a balanced setup in practice will have a clearer plan come green. Those banking on a qualifying tune-up had to pivot, prioritizing durable handling and tire life over outright pace.
Pit strategy moves into the spotlight. The preferred pit stall gives Reddick cleaner entries and quicker service windows, advantages that can translate to gained track positions over a pit cycle. For drivers buried mid-pack, flawless stops and savvy use of cautions are the fastest path forward. Expect bold, opportunistic sequences and split-second calls aimed at maximizing restarts and track position.
Atlanta’s racing groove and heavy traffic will be brutal. Short-run speed, restart execution and incident avoidance will separate those who climb from those who fade. Track position still matters — but getting there now looks more tactical, less about one hot lap and more about consistency over stints and pit cycles.
There are subtle championship ramifications, too. Because the metric rewards recent results, teams that can string together steady, high finishes build a buffer when weather throws a wrench in qualifying. Over a season, that might nudge strategies toward reliability and repeatable performance instead of chasing isolated qualifying gains.
NASCAR says this composite ranking will be the default whenever qualifying is canceled going forward. The storyline to watch at Atlanta: how quickly drivers starting deep can turn pit strategy and short-run speed into real gains — and whether the pole and preferred pit box prove decisive.