NASCAR News: Keselowski drawn on pole for NASCAR’s Darlington return

Brad Keselowski will head the NASCAR field on its return to action this weekend at Darlington Raceway following the random draw used in the new event format.

With NASCAR suspended since the fourth round at Phoenix in early March, a partial easing of lockdown restrictions in the United States has allowed officials to plot out a return to action with a four-race schedule split between Darlington and Charlotte.

During the build-up to this weekend’s comeback event, NASCAR announced a revamped starting grid process without the standard qualifying format for the upcoming races, while all races at Darlington and Charlotte will be held behind closed doors with precautions taken to ensure the safety of all involved.

Three of the opening four revised NASCAR Cup Series rounds will be run without practice or qualifying, with only the Coca-Cola 600 on 24 May to host a time trial session.

The changes are in place to restrict potential exposure as part of the coronavirus health measures.

With no qualifying or practice, NASCAR adopted a random draw based off the owner’s standings to decide the starting grid for this Sunday’s race opener at Darlington Raceway.

Team Penske’s Keselowski has landed pole position in the draw with Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports alongside him on the front row of the grid.

Ryan Newman, who tested at Darlington in order to gain medical clearance from NASCAR, will start 21st on his return from his horrific crash (above) at the Daytona 500.

The draw, which took place on NASCAR Race Hub, decided the grid in reverse order using lottery-style balls.

How the grid was decided

Positions 1-12: Determined by a random draw from charter teams in those positions in team owner points
Positions 13-24: Random draw among charter teams in those positions in owner points
Positions 25-36: Random draw among charter teams in those positions in owner points
Positions 37-40: Filled out by open, non-chartered teams in order of owner points

400-mile Darlington starting grid