Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Interstate Batteries Toyota, poses for photos after winning the pole award
during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250 at Circuit of The Americas on March 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

By Mike Haag

Raceday San Antonio

AUSTIN, Texas – Ty Gibbs will start Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250 race from the pole position after posting the fastest lap during qualifying Friday at Circuit of The Americas.

Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Interstate Batteries Toyota, drives during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250 at Circuit of The Americas on March 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

The 19-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina native drove his No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to the pole after recording a lap time of 134.52 seconds, 91.258 mph.

This marks Gibbs’ second pole in 24 NASCAR Xfinity Series races. It will also be his first pole and third top-10 start in 2022. In five starts this season, Gibbs has already won twice and is the only repeat winner so far this season.

NASCAR Cup Series regular Ross Chastain will start second on the front row in his TicketSmarter Chevrolet. A.J. Allmendinger, Josh Berry and Josh Bilicki rounded out the top five in qualifying.

“I think we’re pretty close to what Kyle had last year,” Gibbs said after qualifying. “We just have to make some minor adjustments. The guys work so hard. I’ve got all the best guys. They work really hard, and we’ve got a good car.”

Noah Gragson, driver of the #9 Bass Pro Shops/TrueTimber/BRCC Chevrolet, drives during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250 at Circuit of The Americas on March 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

Gibbs added, “It’s cool to be here. There’s roller coasters over there; People were ziplining up in turn one, which is pretty crazy too. There are just a lot of cool attractions. It’s one of those races that’s just fun. You’re not stressed out. You can take a look at the scenery and have a good time.”

Thirty-eight drivers will compete in the race including Texas driver Bayley Currey of Driftwood (29th).

The Pit Boss 250 will start Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and will be a 42-lap, 143.22 mile race.

Interview with Ross Chastain and Ty Gibbs –