After missing last weekend’s historic NASCAR stop in Mexico City, Denny Hamlin came roaring back with a statement. The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran laid down a blazing lap to secure pole position for Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, reinforcing why he’s still the king of the Tricky Triangle.
Hamlin, who missed the Mexico race for the birth of his third child, showed no signs of rust. His lap of 52.144 seconds (172.599 mph) was enough to edge out RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher by 0.083 seconds in a tightly contested qualifying session. The three-turn, 2.5-mile oval remains a track where Hamlin thrives—seven wins already, and now another shot at number eight.
Key Highlights from Pocono Qualifying
Denny Hamlin wins pole in return after missing Mexico race for birth of third child.
Chris Buescher, Carson Hocevar, John Hunter Nemechek, and Cole Custer round out top five.
William Byron crashes during qualifying lap, will start deep in the field on Sunday.
Four drivers didn’t take time: Poole, Berry, Wallace, and Ware all to start at rear.
Hamlin seeks his fourth win of 2025, and a record-extending eighth Cup win at Pocono.
The Tricky Triangle Belongs to Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has built a legacy at Pocono Raceway, and Saturday’s qualifying effort added to it. Now with 40 career poles, Hamlin’s command of the unique layout is no secret. His ability to adapt to the constantly evolving car setups and aerodynamic rules over the years has allowed him to remain competitive at the highest level.
He enters Sunday’s race as the favorite not just because of his record at Pocono, but because of his consistency—five finishes of first or second in the last eight Pocono races is dominance few can match.
“We typically can step up from practice. Good adjustments. Never panicked. And I’m rested.” – Denny Hamlin
It’s a frightening combination for the field: a fast car, a rested Hamlin, and a track where he already owns the record books.
Top Qualifiers: Chris Buescher, Carson Hocevar Impress in the Shadows
While Hamlin’s return grabbed headlines, several other drivers had standout performances. Chris Buescher showed speed once again at a superspeedway-style oval, securing the outside front row in his No. 17 RFK Ford.
Carson Hocevar, John Hunter Nemechek, and Cole Custer also landed top-five starting spots. For Hocevar and Nemechek, it’s yet another sign of progress in strong 2025 campaigns. Custer’s performance was a major boost for the Haas Factory Team, which continues to gain traction in its debut season.
Problems for Byron, Wallace, and More in Chaotic Qualifying
The session wasn’t kind to everyone. William Byron, the current Cup Series points leader, suffered a crash during his qualifying lap, forcing his team into repair mode. He’ll start 31st on Sunday—far from ideal on a track where clean air and track position are vital.
Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace didn’t even get a chance to set a time. When it was his turn to go out, his car failed to fire. It’s another frustrating moment in what has been a rollercoaster season for the 23XI Racing driver.
Three others—Josh Berry, Cody Ware, and Brennan Poole—also failed to post qualifying times due to a variety of issues, including mechanical problems and inspection failures. All will start from the rear of the field.
Stacked Mid-Pack Sets Up Wild Opening Stage
Beyond the front row, the middle of the pack features several big names who could quickly become factors.
Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain will both start outside the top 20 but are proven passers.
Chase Elliott, who will also race in the Xfinity Series this weekend, starts 18th.
Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Busch round out a group of heavyweights lurking in the teens and 20s.
This traffic jam of elite drivers could produce chaotic moments, especially in Stage 1 when track position is still unsettled. Expect aggressive pit calls, early passes, and perhaps a few hurt feelings.
Race Day Outlook: Momentum and Milestones Collide
Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 sets up as a perfect storm of momentum and milestones. Hamlin is back in form. Byron must rally from the back. Hocevar, Custer, and Nemechek are looking to establish themselves as weekly contenders.
And then there’s Dale Earnhardt Jr., fresh off an Xfinity Series win as a crew chief for Connor Zilisch—adding yet another layer of intrigue to a weekend already brimming with storylines.
Coverage begins at 2:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with radio coverage via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
News In Brief: Full Starting Lineup for The Great American Getaway 400
Denny Hamlin’s pole win is more than a fast lap—it’s a declaration of intent. Back from a short break, Hamlin looks focused, confident, and ready to chase his fourth win of 2025.
For the rest of the field, Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 is a golden opportunity—whether it’s to shake up the standings, reignite playoff hopes, or prove their speed on one of the sport’s most technical tracks.
The Tricky Triangle rarely disappoints. And with the field this deep and stakes this high, don’t expect it to start now.
ALSO READ: 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Entry List: The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway
