Pole Position Drama
Denny Hamlin claimed the pole position for the NASCAR All‑Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, despite a dramatic warm‑up lap that saw him spin before regaining control and posting a two‑lap time of 1:49.298.
The qualifying order saw Brad Keselowski, Erik Jones, Ross Chastain and William Byron follow Hamlin, each navigating their own challenges on the half‑mile concrete track.
Several competitors, including Connor Zilisch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., also spun, while Zane Smith, Michael McDowell and Kyle Larson received 10‑second speeding penalties for pit road violations.
Daniel Suarez’s car struck the wall after his right‑front tire popped off, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the session.
Hamlin lauded his crew’s pit stop execution, saying the performance gave him confidence heading into the race’s two 75‑lap stages and the final 200‑lap showdown.
Stage Structure and Bonus Incentives
The event will feature two 75‑lap stages followed by a 200‑lap finale, with Zane Smith’s team awarded the first pit stall selection and a $100,000 bonus for posting the fastest pit stop time.