Hamlin takes the pole in Phoenix: Will it be his moment in the NASCAR final?

Hamlin Seeks to Crown His Career in the NASCAR Final

Everything is set for Denny Hamlin, recognized as one of the best NASCAR drivers without a championship, to try to conquer the title in the final to be held at Phoenix Raceway. Hamlin, in his twentieth full season, secured the pole position for the decisive race, where he will compete against William Byron, Kyle Larson, and his teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, Chase Briscoe. Hamlin will lead the starting grid after achieving six victories this season, the most in the series. His triumph in Las Vegas last month guaranteed him a place in the final, giving him three weeks to prepare his car and mentality for the most important race of his life.

I think the benefit was winning in Las Vegas because I was able to get a lot of work done before this week. That way, this week isn’t so busy.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin has remained calm and in good spirits, sharing time with a group of friends and family in Phoenix. After clocking a time of 133.759 mph in his Toyota, Hamlin secured the first starting position, allowing him to choose his pit stall and potentially avoid speeding penalties. However, the driver is aware that he might be peaking too early.

No problem!

Denny Hamlin

Larson is the only driver in the final who already has a title, while Byron, two-time Daytona 500 champion, is in the final for the third consecutive year. Briscoe will make his debut in the championship race, and Hamlin, three-time Daytona 500 winner, returns to the final for the first time since 2021. Byron and Larson finished second and third respectively, while Briscoe placed 12th.

I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did. I was a little surprised that it was even 12th.

Chase Briscoe

This is at least the sixth time Hamlin has had the opportunity to win the championship, but so far he has not been successful. He has suffered setbacks in the past, from a spin to problems in the pits and strategic errors. Hamlin has become the public’s favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a championship for him would be well received.

Everyone likes a story like that, where someone is nearing the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it.

Kyle Larson

I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, if when he decides to hang it up, it was the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable.

Chase Briscoe

Hamlin faces the final with a change of team leader that he did not approve. Chris Gayle, assigned to Hamlin, could be the team leader who finally leads him to victory.

There are four really good cars, really good teams, really good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion.

Chris Gayle

Hamlin, with 60 wins, tied for 10th on the all-time wins list. He was looking for this mark as a personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title, and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, passed away. Hamlin revealed that he wants to win on Sunday, saying it’s his last chance for his father to see him.