Hamlin Imposes His Law: Pole Position at Gateway and Leads NASCAR Playoffs

Denny Hamlin Dominates Qualifying at Gateway, Securing Pole Position

In a demonstration of consistency and skill, Denny Hamlin remained undefeated in the NASCAR Cup Series playoff qualifications, securing the pole position on Saturday at the World Wide Technology Raceway. This is Hamlin’s 46th pole in his career and the third of this season for the Joe Gibbs Racing star, who also led the qualifying in last week’s playoff race at Darlington Raceway.

“We made some big adjustments from where we were in practice,” commented Hamlin, who achieved a lap at 139.190 mph in his No. 11 Toyota. “That’s what they did so well last week for qualifying. Now we have a great track position and we just have to keep it, and we’ll be in good shape.”

Denny Hamlin

Kyle Larson placed second alongside Hamlin, achieving his first top-ten qualifying effort at the 1.25-mile oval east of St. Louis. Chase Briscoe qualified third, followed by Ross Chastain, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Austin Cindric. These playoff drivers occupied the top nine starting positions for Sunday’s 300-mile race at the circuit known as Gateway. Alex Bowman, who hasn’t finished above 13th at Gateway, qualified in 25th place, being the only playoff driver to start outside the top 20. Bowman is tied with Josh Berry (who qualified 12th) in last place in the standings among the 16 playoff drivers.