Denny Hamlin secured his 44th career Cup pole at Pocono Raceway on Saturday, becoming the oldest pole winner in the series since 2017—a significant milestone for the veteran driver. This weekend’s event, marked by Hamlin’s achievement, contrasts with major setbacks for William Byron and Bubba Wallace, both of whom will be starting from the back of the field due to qualifying issues.
Hamlin Sets Record with Pole at Pocono
Hamlin turned a lap at 172.599 mph on the 2.5-mile track, outpacing the competition to claim the top spot. At 44 years old, Hamlin’s pole makes him the oldest to accomplish this feat since Matt Kenseth did so at Richmond at age 45 in September 2017. Returning to competition after missing last week’s race in Mexico to be home for the birth of his son, Hamlin demonstrates that experience remains a crucial factor in Cup racing.
Other Qualifying Highlights: Buescher, Hocevar, and Nemechek Shine
Chris Buescher will line up beside Hamlin after clocking in at 172.325 mph, equaling his best starting position this season. In the third position is Carson Hocevar, who posted a lap at 171.825 mph, followed closely by John Hunter Nemechek and Cole Custer, completing the top five starters. These drivers carry strong momentum into Sunday’s race, eager to capitalize on their qualifying efforts.
Setbacks for Byron and Wallace Amid Technical Difficulties
William Byron, who led in practice sessions, suffered a crash during qualifying. Losing control off the Tunnel Turn, Byron’s car hit the outside wall and then slid down to strike the inside SAFER barrier, forcing him to the rear of the field. Bubba Wallace, who was also quick in practice, encountered a separate issue—his car failed to start when qualifying was set to begin, and thus he did not make an attempt. According to Hamlin, who co-owns Wallace’s car, the No. 23 faced a starter malfunction.
Additional Drivers Slated to Start at the Back
Josh Berry joins Byron and Wallace at the rear after his team replaced the diffuser post-practice, resulting in no qualifying attempt. Brennan Poole also heads to the back after failing inspection three times—he was prohibited from qualifying and will need to complete a pass-through on pit road once the green flag drops for Sunday’s event.
What’s at Stake for Drivers on Race Day
The intensity surrounding qualifying at Pocono underscores the fine margins that separate leading contenders from those fighting through adversity. With Denny Hamlin wins oldest Cup pole at Pocono, his performance places him in a strong position for the upcoming race, while drivers like William Byron and Bubba Wallace face a challenging climb from the back. The opening laps on Sunday will be crucial as key names like Chris Buescher and Carson Hocevar look to capitalize on their starting spots, and those forced to the rear aim to recover lost ground in a highly competitive field at Pocono Raceway.
