Shane van Gisbergen claimed pole position for the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado, near San Diego, delivering a commanding lap on the challenging street circuit. The Trackhouse Racing driver posted a time of 2 minutes, 14.788 seconds around the 3.4-mile, 16-turn layout, securing the top starting spot ahead of Carson Hocevar.

Van Gisbergen’s performance highlighted his ability to excel in qualifying, particularly on complex tracks, where he often outpaces competitors over a single lap. Ryan Blaney qualified third, followed by Zane Smith in fourth. Notably, Smith is among six drivers within the top 10 starting positions who have yet to earn a victory this season.

The race marks NASCAR’s first visit to the unique street course at Naval Base Coronado, adding a new dimension to the Cup Series schedule. Qualifying results underscore the anticipation surrounding the event, with seasoned drivers and emerging talents set to contend for the inaugural win on the demanding circuit.