Taylor Gray earned the pole position for the GOVX 200 at Phoenix Raceway on March 6, marking his first O’Reilly pole of the 2026 season. Competing in a single-car, single-lap qualifying format, Gray posted the fastest lap among 40 drivers aiming for one of 38 starting positions, achieving a speed of 130.743 mph over 27.535 seconds.
Details of the Qualifying Session and Key Competitors
The qualifying format required each competitor to complete a single timed lap around the track, with Gray’s performance securing him the pole over notable rivals. Entering the session as the eighth-fastest in practice, the Artesia, New Mexico native returned to the top starting spot for the first time since July 2025 at Dover Motor Speedway.
This accomplishment also represented the first pole of 2026 for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Gray will start alongside Jesse Love, the 2025 series champion, who recorded a close second-best time at 130.695 mph in 27.545 seconds. Love aims to defend his Phoenix Raceway victory from November 2025 in Saturday’s main event.
Other Notable Qualifying Performances
Racing figures Brandon Jones, Anthony Alfredo, and rookie Brent Crews completed the top five starters. William Byron, participating in one of his three 2026 O’Reilly starts driving the No. 88 HendrickCars.com/JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, earned the sixth starting position. The remainder of the top 10 included Sammy Smith, rookie Corey Day, Jeb Burton—who was fastest in practice—and Kyle Sieg.
With 40 drivers competing for 38 spots, Josh Williams and Blake Lothain did not qualify for the race starting grid.
Race Overview and Broadcast Information
The 2026 GOVX 200 at Phoenix Raceway is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can follow the race live on the CW Network, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM, offering comprehensive coverage of the event’s laps, pit stops, and unfolding competition.
Significance of Gray’s Pole Position and Upcoming Prospects
Gray’s pole position establishes a promising start to his 2026 campaign, signaling potential competitiveness for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. His performance at Phoenix, a track known for demanding precision and speed, could influence opportunities for further success this season. Meanwhile, the presence of previous champion Jesse Love on the front row sets the stage for an intense battle on race day.
