On Friday, February 27, at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, Connor Zilisch earned the pole position for the Focused Health 250. The qualifying session was critical, showcasing Zilisch’s skill and setting the stage for the upcoming race amid a competitive field of 40 drivers.
The qualifying procedure split drivers into two groups, each given 20 minutes to record their fastest laps. The quickest driver overall between both groups claimed the pole position, with Zilisch emerging as the fastest competitor.
Details of the Qualifying Performance and Format
Zilisch, who ranked ninth fastest during Saturday’s practice, competed in the first qualifying group. He put forth a blistering lap with an average speed of 88.398 mph over 97.740 seconds. This effort secured his first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series pole of the 2026 season and positioned him ahead of his rivals for Saturday’s main event.
The event’s format demanded precision and speed under pressure. Each group’s top performance was closely scrutinized, increasing the tension among drivers trying to gain a grid advantage at the challenging Texas track.
Significance of the 10th Career Pole and Road Course Expertise
With this achievement, Zilisch added a milestone to his career by clinching his 10th O’Reilly Auto Parts Series pole position. Notably, this was his seventh pole on road courses and marked his second consecutive pole at Circuit of the Americas in this series. His recent performance also extended a remarkable streak at COTA, having earned pole positions in NASCAR’s top three national touring series events over three straight years. In 2024, he had set the fastest qualifying time in the Craftsman Truck Series at the same venue.
Zilisch’s Current NASCAR Engagement and Race Aspirations
Though Zilisch competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, he is pursuing select starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this season. At COTA, he drives the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro for JR Motorsports. As the defending winner of the O’Reilly event at this track, Zilisch aims to join AJ Allmendinger as one of the few drivers to claim consecutive victories at Austin’s challenging road course.
Competitors Lining Up Close Behind Zilisch on the Starting Grid
Sharing the front row with Zilisch will be Shane van Gisbergen, who earned the second starting position with a lap averaging 88.209 mph, finishing in 97.949 seconds. Van Gisbergen returns for selective races in the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro and is eager to earn his first win at COTA during Saturday’s race.
Austin Hill, the fastest driver from the second qualifying group, secured third place with a lap of 87.841 mph completed in 98.359 seconds. Hill, a two-time runner-up at COTA, strives to capture his first win both at the track and on a road course during the upcoming event.
Following them, Brandon Jones and Justin Allgaier start fourth and fifth respectively, while the top ten is completed by Carson Kvapil, rookie Brent Crews, Sam Mayer (who was fastest in practice), Sheldon Creed, and Sammy Smith.
Drivers Missing the Cut and Qualifying Outcome Summary
With 40 drivers competing for 38 starting spots, two competitors, Josh Williams and Tyler Gonzalez, did not qualify for the race, confirming the intensity of the competition.
Below is the full listing of qualifying speeds and times for the top 10 starters at COTA:
1. Connor Zilisch – 88.398 mph, 97.740 seconds
2. Shane van Gisbergen – 88.209 mph, 97.949 seconds
3. Austin Hill – 87.841 mph, 98.359 seconds
4. Brandon Jones – 87.762 mph, 98.448 seconds
5. Justin Allgaier – 87.661 mph, 98.562 seconds
6. Carson Kvapil – 87.652 mph, 98.572 seconds
7. Brent Crews – 87.565 mph, 98.670 seconds
8. Sam Mayer – 87.523 mph, 98.717 seconds
9. Sheldon Creed – 87.462 mph, 98.786 seconds
10. Sammy Smith – 87.394 mph, 98.863 seconds
Upcoming Race and Broadcast Information
The 2026 Focused Health 250 is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, with the green flag dropping at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans can watch the race live on the CW Network and listen via PRN Radio or SiriusXM, providing widespread access to this high-stakes event.
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Implications and Expectations for the Focused Health 250
Connor Zilisch’s pole position heightens anticipation for the Focused Health 250, underscoring his growing dominance on road courses and his adaptability across NASCAR’s different series. His ongoing relationship with JR Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing, coupled with his previous successes at COTA, position him as a favorite and a key contender for the win.
The narrow margins separating the top qualifiers add to the race’s tension, promising an intense battle on the circuit. Shane van Gisbergen and Austin Hill both demonstrate the potential to challenge Zilisch, suggesting a compelling competition that could evolve deep into the final laps.
As the event approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Zilisch can cement his legacy with a streak of wins at COTA, further establishing himself among NASCAR’s top road racing talents.
