Glossary / General

pole sitter

9 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

A pole sitter is the driver who gets to start the race in the very first position. This is usually a good spot because they can lead the race right from the beginning.

Technical Definition

A pole sitter is the driver who qualifies in the first position for a race, meaning they start at the front of the grid. This position is often advantageous as it allows the driver to lead the pack at the start of the race.

Hear It Discussed

"We'll start at the top with our sprint or qualifying pole sitter. That makes sense to you all."
SNETTERTON BTCC 2026 PREVIEW BTCP British Touring Car Podcast 17:52

"...only 10 pole sitters have won the Daytona 500. The last man Dale Jarrett way back in 2000."
Mini Tyrrell Is NASCAR's Next Big Star The GAS: An American Cars And Racing Podcast 05:35

"So Pelow gets out front, and that sounds like it's gonna be bad, right? Because he's pole sitter and he's out front, but he's not really making much of a gap."
Indycar News in 5 Minutes - Road America Review - Indycar Dad Podcast Ep. 36 The Indycar Dad Podcast 00:40