NASCAR

NASCAR Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200: Qualifying, Christopher Bell’s Pole Position, Lineup At Darlington Raceway

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By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published05 Apr 2025

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xfinity christopher bell mug after pole darlington (1)

Will Christopher Bell do it again?

During the NASCAR Xfinity Series fall event at Darlington Raceway, Cup Series regular Christopher Bell earned a trip to Victory Lane after starting from the pole.

Upon returning to the “Too Tough To Tame” track, Bell captured the pole Saturday and will look to repeat efforts for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 later in the afternoon.

Competing on the Xfinity circuit for the first time this season, Bell recorded a hot lap of 164.408 mph, edging Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Brandon Jones by 0.004 seconds.

Austin Hill, who won last Saturday’s race at Martinsville Speedway, hit the wall while qualifying and will start P19.

Rookie Connor Zilisch Tackling Bigger Cup Challenges

Connor Zilisch’s introduction to the NASCAR Cup Series continues to get tougher. At least more physically challenging.

After making his debut at the COTA road course, Zilisch, an 18-year-old Xfinity Series rookie, is prepping to tackle the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the circuit’s more grueling tests. He will pilot the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing.

“It’s awesome to have the opportunity to race in one of NASCAR’s coolest events,” Zilisch said via press release. “It’s going to be a physical and mental challenge because that race is so tough.”

Entering Saturday’s Xfinity event at Darlington, Zilich, who has collected four top-fives in his opening 11 appearances, ranks sixth in the drivers’ standings, 100 points behind pace-setter Justin Allgaier.

Zilisch’s Xfinity team and Dawson Cram were penalized by NASCAR officials Saturday for their machines failing pre-race inspection twice. Both Zilisch and Cram lost a pit crew member for the race and their pit selections.

Starting Lineup for NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200

Here is a look at the lineup for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway:

Starting Position, Driver, Car No.

  • 1, Christopher Bell, No. 19 Toyota
  • 2, Brandon Jones, No. 20 Toyota
  • 3, Justin Allgaier, No. 7 Chevrolet
  • 4, Taylor Gray, No. 54 Toyota
  • 5, Sam Mayer, No. 41 Ford
  • 6, Carson Kvapil, No. 1 Chevrolet
  • 7, Daniel Dye, No. 10 Chevrolet
  • 8, Chase Elliott, No. 17 Chevrolet
  • 9, Christian Eckes, No. 16 Chevrolet
  • 10, Sheldon Creed, No. 88 Ford
  • 11, Jesse Love, No. 2 Chevrolet
  • 12, Sammy Smith, No. 8 Chevrolet
  • 13, Kris Wright, No. 5 Chevrolet
  • 14, Harrison Burton, No. 25 Ford
  • 15, Nicholas Sanchez, No. 48 Chevrolet
  • 16, Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet
  • 17, Ryan Sieg, No. 39 Ford
  • 18, Jeremy Clements, No. 51 Chevrolet
  • 19, Austin Hill, No. 21 Chevrolet
  • 20, William Sawalich, No. 18 Toyota
  • 21, Matt DiBenedetto, No. 99 Chevrolet
  • 22, Jeb Burton, No. 27 Chevrolet
  • 23, Brennan Poole, No. 44 Chev
  • 24, Blaine Perkins, No. 31 Chevrolet
  • 25, Ryan Ellis, No. 71 Chevrolet
  • 26, Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Chevrolet
  • 27, Ross Chastain, No. 9 Chevrolet
  • 28, Garrett Smithley, No. 14 Chevrolet
  • 29, Josh Williams, No. 11 Chevrolet
  • 30, Dean Thompson, No. 26 Toyota
  • 31, Josh Bilicki, No. 91 Chevrolet
  • 32, Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 Chevrolet
  • 33, Leland Honeyman, No. 70 Chevrolet
  • 34, Kyle Sieg, No. 28 Ford
  • 35, Mason Massey, No. 45 Chevrolet
  • 36, Nick Leitz, No. 07 Chevrolet
  • 37, David Starr, No. 53 Chevrolet
  • 38, Greg Van Alst, No. 35 Chevrolet
  • 39, Dawson Cram, No. 74 Chevrolet
  • 40, Austin Green, No. 32 Chevrolet