Hamlin Takes Pole Position at Chicagoland Speedway
Denny Hamlin delivered a blistering lap of 30.296 seconds, averaging 178.241 mph, to claim the pole for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series event at Chicagoland Speedway. The performance marks his third consecutive pole on an oval circuit and the 52nd of his career, drawing him level with the ninth‑most poles in series history.
The qualification session saw a tight contest at the front of the grid. Kyle Larson posted a near‑identical effort, clocking 30.297 seconds at 178.235 mph to finish second, while Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski, both representing RFK Racing, secured the next two spots. Youngster Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five, underscoring the growing depth of talent in the series.
Hamlin’s achievement also highlights the strong partnership between driver and team. His pole came as part of a weekend that saw multiple teams from Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports vying for supremacy, with the latter’s technical alliance with RFK Racing adding extra intrigue to the event.
The race itself is scheduled for Sunday, promising a competitive showdown on the 1.5‑mile intermediate track. Fans can expect a blend of veteran skill and emerging youth, with Hamlin’s recent pole streak setting a high bar for the rest of the field.