Brennan Poole Set for Exciting NASCAR Cup Debut at Pocono

Brennan Poole is returning to the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend, making his first start of the year at Pocono Raceway. Poole, a regular in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will drive the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team.

This will be his first Cup start since October 2023 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race at Pocono is set for June 16, and Poole will mark his 43rd career appearance at NASCAR’s top level. Members 1st Federal Credit Union will serve as the primary sponsor for the event.

NY Racing Team has appeared in six races so far this season, using J.J. Yeley and Derek Kraus as drivers. The team’s best result this year is 32nd place, and they missed qualifying for the Daytona 500 earlier in the season.

For this race, the team is entering as an open entry, hoping to improve upon their recent results with Poole’s experience.

While Poole drives the No. 44 for AlphaPrime Racing in Xfinity, there is no connection between the two organizations beyond the number.

Poole’s best finish in the Cup Series came in 2020 at Talladega, where he secured ninth with Rick Ware Racing. At Pocono, he has made two previous Cup starts, finishing 29th and 27th, both in 2020.

In the Xfinity Series, Poole has raced multiple times at Pocono as well, showing solid consistency but still searching for a breakthrough result at this unique track. Poole expressed his excitement on social media, highlighting the chance to compete both Saturday in Xfinity and Sunday in Cup.

He promised fans that the red, white, and blue Members 1st machine will be easy to spot all weekend.

The 34-year-old Texan has built a steady career in NASCAR, especially in the Xfinity Series, where he is a familiar face with AlphaPrime Racing. In 2025, Poole continues to compete full-time in the Xfinity ranks, balancing Cup opportunities when they arise.

His NASCAR journey reflects persistence and adaptability, having raced for several teams and across multiple NASCAR divisions since his debut. NY Racing Team has had a rotating driver lineup this season.

Poole will be hoping to spark improved results for the group, which has not finished higher than 32nd this year. His return to the Cup Series gives the team a veteran presence and the benefit of his recent experience on both superspeedways and intermediate ovals.

Fans following the Pocono weekend will be able to cheer on Poole as he pulls double duty between NASCAR’s two biggest national series. Whether this race leads to further Cup starts remains to be seen.

The experience and visibility in both events could open up more opportunities later this season. Poole’s story will be one to watch as teams and drivers battle the challenges of Pocono’s tricky three-turn layout.