Denny Hamlin secured the pole for the Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, turning a blistering lap of 54.686 seconds at an average speed of 164.576 miles per hour. The performance marked his fourth pole of the season and his sixth overall at the 2.5‑mile triangular layout, a feat that places him among the track’s all‑time leaders.
Behind Hamlin, Kyle Larson claimed second on the grid with a speed of 173.067 mph in the No. 5 Chevrolet, while Daniel Suarez followed in third at 172.881 mph. Ty Gibbs and Chase Briscoe rounded out the top five, posting speeds of 172.771 mph and 172.639 mph respectively, each piloting their respective Toyota and Chevrolet entries.
The start time for the race was advanced to 1 p.m. as forecasters warned of inclement weather, a decision that could reshape strategy and tire choices once the green flag drops. Organizers hope the early start will give teams a clearer window before potential rain showers.
Hamlin’s Dominance on the Pocono Layout
Beyond the pole, Hamlin is the track’s win leader with seven career victories, and his recent successes at Nashville and Michigan — both captured from the pole — underscore his ability to translate qualifying speed into race triumphs. This pole also ties him for ninth place in NASCAR history with Ryan Newman, a milestone that reflects his longevity and consistency.
The upcoming 400‑mile event will test the drivers’ adaptability under changing conditions, with weather‑related adjustments likely to influence pit strategy and fuel consumption. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Hamlin can convert his qualifying advantage into another victory on the storied Pennsylvania circuit.