NASCAR O’Reilly Series: Kvapil on Gateway Pole

MADISON, Ill. — Carson Kvapil will start from the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series pole at Gateway for the Nu Way 225 powered by Bobcat sauced by Blues Hog.

This is his second pole of the season and the second pole of his career in the series.

Kvapil continues his impressive form with his second consecutive pole position after his maidan series pole at Darlington a week ago.

Since climbing back into his No. 1 ride full-time, he and crew chief Rodney Childers have been rolling.

In the previous five O’Reilly Series events, the duo has gone to victory lane twice and now have sat on the pole for the same amount.

His pole also breaks the incredible streak of 14 different drivers who have won the pole with his accomplishment.

It’s only fitting that the No. 2 car starts second to the No. 1 car. Jesse Love looks to refire his Chase with a front row start alongside Kvapil.

Then, last week’s winner Sheldon Creed will start third. Corey Day will start on the second row from fourth. Day recently announced his 2027 and beyond plans to remain as a development driver with Hendrick Motorsports.

He will pilot the No. 17 once again for a full season in 2027 and make five to six select NASCAR Cup Series starts with Spire Motorsports as well.

Justin Allgaier looks to rebound after his sub-optimal finish at Darlington from fifth. Then fellow Chase driver Austin Hill starts on the third row with him in sixth.

Harrison Burton is the highest starting driver outside of the Chase from seventh. He looks to find similar top-ten success at Gateway as he did in 2025.

William Sawalich finished third in the lone practice session and will start alongside Burton in eighth.

Rajah Caruth will try and find his first Chase finish from ninth while Brent Crews rounds out the top ten qualifiers.

Notable Entrants

Taylor Gray was fastest in lone practice session with a 33.958, but he failed to follow his top performance into qualifying. Gray will start just outside of the top ten from 11th with fellow Chase driver Sammy Smith to his outside from 12th.

Three other Chase drivers will start behind them outside of the top 12. Brandon Jones will start 15th. Then Sam Mayer from 18th and finally Parker Retzlaff from 19th.

Only 36 entered for the O’Reilly Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway. Therefore, all 36 entrants will start tonight’s event.

Below is the full starting lineup for the Nu Way 225 from Gateway.

Starting Lineup