Denny Hamlin underscored his Denny Hamlin championship ambitions by securing pole position for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix on Saturday. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver clocked the fastest lap among the championship contenders, setting the stage for an intense championship showdown on Sunday at the Phoenix Raceway.
Hamlin’s lap of 133.759 mph put his No. 11 Toyota just ahead of Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, with his teammate Kyle Larson close behind. The only other championship-eligible driver, Hamlin’s teammate Chase Briscoe, will start twelfth in the pivotal race, which is set for 3 p.m. ET on major networks including NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Pole Position Marks Milestone and Raises Stakes for Sunday
This latest pole is Hamlin’s sixth of the season and the 48th in his career, making it one of his most strategically important. As a driver with 60 career wins, Hamlin faces a field of fierce rivals, each aiming for NASCAR’s ultimate prize.
“We’ve really been working hard and hope it will pay off tomorrow,”
said Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing veteran. His six victories this season are double that of any other championship contender, reflecting both skill and determination heading into the championship race.
Championship Contenders Prepare for High-Intensity Battle
With the Phoenix pole in hand, Hamlin noted that while starting first is valuable, it is not a guaranteed advantage. The competition among championship contenders remains extremely close, and race day could unfold unpredictably on Phoenix’s one-mile oval track.
“We’re obviously going to be in a great starting spot there but then obviously we’ve got to make sure we’re doing all the right things the entire day and largely that’s going to rest on my shoulders. And I’m going to do the best that I can,”
said Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
Last year’s series champion, Kyle Larson, is no stranger to drama at Phoenix, having previously clinched the title after starting from the pole. William Byron, who recently won the Daytona 500 and enters as Regular Season Champion, will make his third consecutive appearance in the championship race. Meanwhile, Chase Briscoe competes for his first championship in his debut championship appearance.
Hamlin reflected on the advantage of his qualifying position:
“Certainly, it’s always an advantage to qualify on the pole, there’s never a disadvantage to starting first and having the number one pit stall,”
said Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
“So, I don’t know if it directly correlates, but it’s always an advantage.”
Drivers Emphasize Execution and Adaptability as Key to Victory
Throughout the championship weekend, adaptability and execution remain essential. Hamlin shared his focus on making every lap count:
“Just try to do everything you can to execute,”
said Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
“… I just truly believe that tomorrow that the best cars, whoever it is and it could be somebody who qualified 20th – could make their way to the front with the tire and track surface we have right now.”
As the race approaches, competitive spirit runs high.
“I think it’s going to be a battle amongst us four with a few others sprinkled in there. It’s going to be fun to watch,”
said Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing veteran.
The championship race at Phoenix will not only test the drivers’ skills but also determine whether Hamlin can seize the elusive championship title he has been chasing throughout his career. With the NASCAR Cup Series season coming down to a single event, all eyes are on Hamlin, his rivals—including Byron, Larson, and Briscoe—and the teams poised to make history in Arizona.
