Tony Stewart is 40 - 17 (70%) in Rd. 1. Stewart's overall record at this event is 2 - 2. By round, his record is 1 - 1 in Rd. 1, 1 - 0 in Rd. 2, 0 - 1 in Rd. 3, and 0 - 0 in the Final. His best finish at this event is the semi-finals, 2025. His lowest starting spot at this event is #6 (2024), and he is 4 - 4 in the Countdown this year.

Stewart with the starting line advantage and never trailed for the win. He will have lane choice over Brown in the next round.

Powers chute shook out right off the starting line and fully blossomed. The car started to spin and then pushed out a head gasket with a quick flash of flames before he clicked it off.