Denny Hamlin captured the Denny Hamlin NASCAR Cup pole for the high-stakes Phoenix finale on Saturday, pushing his two-decade pursuit of a NASCAR Cup Series championship closer to reality. Driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin powered to his fifth pole of the 2025 season with an impressive lap at the Phoenix Raceway, setting the tone for the decisive race ahead.
Hamlin’s Fast Lap Sets the Stage for the Finale
With determination, Denny Hamlin clocked a 28.914-second lap to clinch his 48th career pole and position himself at the front for the final showdown. The atmosphere was intense as the veteran driver, known for his passion and resilience in the sport, outlined his mindset heading into Sunday’s race.
“We’re doing everything we can. I’m really proud of this whole Toyota team. We worked hard at it. We’ve really been working hard. Hopefully we get the payoff tomorrow.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
“We’re obviously going to be in a great starting spot there. Then we just have to make sure we do all the right things and execute the entire day. Largely, that’s going to rest on my shoulders, so I’ll do the best that I can.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
This achievement not only demonstrates Hamlin’s unwavering commitment but also puts him in prime position to challenge for the NASCAR Cup Series title—something he has chased for 20 years. His presence at the front of the grid amplifies the anticipation for fans and competitors alike.
Title Rivals and Qualifying Results
The driver Hamlin edged out for pole was William Byron, another contender for the championship, who missed the top spot by just 0.042 seconds. The slim margin illustrated the competitiveness at Phoenix as teams from Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing lock horns in the season’s final act. Byron expressed mixed emotions after his run, detailing the challenging nature of the qualifying session.
“You’re coming to the green with a lot of speed, and then when we cut the dogleg, it was just a little rougher than I thought it would be through there. On my lap, I thought I hit Turn 1. Just couldn’t quite commit to throttle off both corners. I felt like I was right on the edge of grip, and didn’t want to have a slip and lose pace. Happy with it. I feel like we’re right there in the mix. Right where we need to be.”
– William Byron, Driver, Hendrick Motorsports
Byron is closely trailed by his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Kyle Larson, who took third in qualifying—0.023 seconds behind Byron—keeping both drivers within striking distance for the championship. Team Penske’s Austin Cindric and Ryan Blaney secured fourth and fifth respectively, while Carson Hocevar, Josh Berry, Alex Bowman, Chris Buescher, and Joey Logano filled out the top ten.
Challenges for Other Finalists
Chase Briscoe, the season’s leading qualifier with more poles than anyone, struggled in Phoenix and ended his run in twelfth place, over two-tenths behind Hamlin. This result is notable given Briscoe’s recent form, having qualified inside the top ten for five consecutive races prior to this event. Briscoe’s teammate stood out with a much stronger result as the pressure mounts ahead of the title battle.
As the event draws top teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Team Penske into fierce competition, the stakes could not be higher. The battle between established giants like Hamlin, Byron, and Larson sets up a dramatic narrative for the Phoenix finale, with every position and decision carrying immense weight for the championship outcome.
What Lies Ahead at Phoenix Raceway
The NASCAR Cup Series will conclude at Phoenix Raceway, where drivers, teams, and fans anticipate a showdown that could define careers. Denny Hamlin, with the support of Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing, leads the grid into the season’s most crucial event, facing off against William Byron, Kyle Larson, and other top contenders from organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske.
The Phoenix title-decider promises an emotional and passionate climax, as veteran drivers and emerging stars compete for the year’s ultimate prize. With razor-thin qualifying gaps and high intensity throughout the field, every lap will likely be charged with suspense.
