On Bristol Motor Speedway's unique .533-mile configuration, a lap can be historic before you have time to catch your breath. Drivers have said in the past that Bristol is a short track that races like a superspeedway. The NASCAR Cup Series qualifying record also comes with a classic short-track twist. Team Penske's Ryan Blaney has the record but on that day just missed getting the pole position.

  • The number to remember: 14.528 seconds. On April 5, 2019, Ryan Blaney circled Bristol’s high-banked concrete oval at 132.075 mph, setting the Cup Series qualifying record at the controls of his No. 12 Team Penske Ford Mustang. That speed translates to a timing total of 14.528 seconds.

  • The twist: Blaney did not start from the pole. He posted his record lap in the second round of qualifying. Chase Elliott was fastest in the final round of qualifying, and due to NASCAR Cup Series rules for qualifying, earned the No. 1 starting spot in his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet by being the fastest in the final session with a slower speed of 131.713 mph.

  • That is pure Bristol. The corners feature variable banking from 24 to 28 degrees, while each straightaway measures just 650 feet. Drivers spend nearly the entire lap preparing to turn, turning, or launching off a corner.

  • “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” is more than a nickname. Bristol packs 130-plus-mph speed into tight quarters with high concrete banking where one small bobble can change everything in seconds.

  • Blaney Says: "Unfortunately it doesn't matter winning the first two, I just got greedy, really greedy into three there on that last one," Blaney told FOX Sports reporter Jamie Little after the qualifying attempt. "I blitzed it in there too fast and got the car down in there on that lap and got loose. I probably would've broke that track record I set earlier if I could've held it together. Should've been a little more patient than that. We had a great car, but greed got me there. I messed that one up and that's my fault, but overall not a bad starting spot (second, outside pole) for Sunday's race (Food City 500)."
  • Longevity: Blaney has held the track record for seven years in the Next Gen Car, with different tire compounds, engine horsepower requirements and other factors.

  • Why the record matters: One 14.528-second burst captures Bristol’s identity: enormous speed, relentless pressure, and a little unpredictability inside The Last Great Colosseum. Among his NASCAR Cup Series peers being the fastest at Bristol carries some major clout. For now, Blaney has all of the bragging rights.

  • Race outcome: After starting second at that Food City 500 on April 7, 2019, Blaney showed off his fast Ford in impressive fashion by leading a race-best 158 laps on his way to posting a fourth-place finish behind eventual winner Kyle Busch. Click here to see the results recap.

A lap that fast deserved a place in the record book. The fact that it did not secure the pole only makes the story feel more unmistakably Bristol. 

Make sure to reserve your seats now to be a witness to Bristol's next incredible storyline. You don't want to miss it! Please Click Here to purchase tickets to the upcoming Food City 500 on April 11, 2027. You can also contact the BMS Ticket Sales Center to purchase grandstand tickets, premium options like the Ryan Blaney Super Fan Suite, ticket upgrades like the Ultimate Fan Pass or Pre-Race Infield Experience or special parking options by calling (866) 415-4158.