Bubba Wallace score first pole, Michigan starting lineup

Bubba Wallace scored his first career pole on Saturday putting the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota at the front of the field for Sunday’s running of the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

“About time,” Wallace said. “It took me five years to get my first pole. It’s a testament to 23XI, everybody on the No. 23 team. They’ve been doing a tremendous job all year long, really. Just haven’t had the finishes we deserve, but proud for everybody just sticking through it.

“A lot of adversity on this team, and we keep showing up ready to battle.”

The top three positions to start the race will be held by Toyota powered cars with Christopher Bell joining Wallace on the front row and Kyle Busch starting third. The first non-Toyota is fourth place starter Joey Logano.

Ryan Blaney, who won this race a year ago, will start 24th. Thus far the Penske Racing driver has not scored a win during the 2022 season and holds one of two playoff spots which as it stands would go to drivers with the highest points.

FireKeepers Casino 400 Lineup

1. Bubba Wallace
2. Christopher Bell
3. Kyle Busch
4. Joey Logano
5. Austin Cindric
6. Tyler Reddick
7. Martin Truex Jr.
8. Kyle Larson
9. Denny Hamlin
10. Erik Jones
11. Ty Gibbs
12. Noah Gragson
13. Chase Elliott
14. Michael McDowell
15. Daniel Suarez
16. Kevin Harvick
17. Cole Custer
18. Aric Almirola
19. Christopher Buescher
20. William Byron
21. Justin Haley
22. Ross Chastain
23. Chase Briscoe
24. Ryan Blaney
25. Ty Dillon
26. Austin Dillon
27. Harrison Burton
28. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
29. JJ Yeley
30. Alex Bowman
31. Austin Hill
32. Corey LaJoie
33. Brad Keselowski
34. Cody Ware
35. Josh Bilicki
36. BJ McLeod
37. Todd Gilliand