Denny Hamlin will lead the field at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race after earning the pole position during Saturday’s qualifying round at Phoenix Raceway. The NASCAR Cup Series Championship, set for Sunday, sees Hamlin starting with an advantageous position as he aims to clinch his first title.
Hamlin Claims Top Spot in Qualifying
Hamlin posted a lap time of 26.914 seconds, reaching a speed of 133.759 mph to secure the pole. Despite his achievement, the margin between him and the other Championship 4 contenders is slim, keeping the competition tight. William Byron will start alongside Hamlin in second place after a fast qualifying run, while Kyle Larson—both Hamlin’s teammate and a fellow title contender—posted the third-best time for Sunday’s start.
Championship 4 Lineup and Challenges
Chase Briscoe, the fourth driver in the Championship 4 battle, qualified in twelfth position. His performance was affected by multiple tire-related issues during Friday’s practice session, putting him at a starting disadvantage compared to his rivals.
Positions and Entry Notes for Phoenix
The official starting lineup for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway clarifies drivers’ statuses. (P) denoted NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Drivers, while * highlighted Open entries. Rookies battling for the Rookie of the Year honor were marked with a #, and (i) signified drivers ineligible to score points.
Looking Ahead to the Championship Decider
The grid for the season’s final race sets an intense stage for the Championship 4—Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Briscoe—to compete for the ultimate prize. Hamlin’s pole secures him the best starting position, but with all contenders close in qualifying times, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway remains open for any of them to win. The outcome will determine which driver claims the coveted Cup and closes out the season on top.
