
Hamlin Takes Pole at Chicagoland as Larson Faces Penalties
Denny Hamlin secured the pole with a 30.296‑second lap while Kyle Larson’s penalties add intrigue to the upcoming event.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Chris Buescher across Nascar.

Denny Hamlin secured the pole with a 30.296‑second lap while Kyle Larson’s penalties add intrigue to the upcoming event.

Denny Hamlin claimed pole position at Chicagoland Speedway with a 30.296-second lap, edging Kyle Larson, who incurred inspection penalties. Hamlin aims for his fifth win of the season while leading the standings, and a competitive top five features several rising drivers.

Denny Hamlin edged Kyle Larson by just 0.001 seconds to claim pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway, setting the stage for a competitive eero 400.

Denny Hamlin claimed pole position with a lap of 30.296 seconds, edging Kyle Larson by just 0.001 seconds. Toyota secured five of the top eight spots, while reigning champion Joey Logano will start 31st.

Denny Hamlin captured pole position for Sunday’s eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, leading the points standings for the first time this season, while drivers and series officials debate the track’s long‑term future amid talk of a downtown Chicago street race.
Denny Hamlin secured pole position for the eero 400, marking NASCAR's return to Chicagoland Speedway since 2019 and setting the stage for a competitive race.

NASCAR returns to Illinois this weekend with Larson, Hamlin and a host of top competitors battling for position.

Denny Hamlin claimed pole position at Chicagoland Speedway with a time of 30.296 seconds, beating Kyle Larson by a thousandth of a second. The achievement marks his fourth pole this season and ties a historic record, while his teammates and rivals prepare for an intense upcoming race.

Robert Criscola’s latest analysis highlights Ryan Blaney’s pre‑qualifying edge, Ty Gibbs’ top‑5 forecast, and Michael McDowell’s value matchup with Chase Elliott, while a 65% chance of thunderstorms adds a tactical twist to the 2026 eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.

Denny Hamlin secured pole position at Chicagoland Speedway with a 30.296‑second lap, crediting ideal sun conditions. He aims for his fifth victory of the season while leading the points standings, and his co‑ownership of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan adds extra intrigue. Kyle Larson qualified second, hoping to break a 42‑race winless streak, while RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski will start third and fourth.

Denny Hamlin secured pole position with a 30.296‑second lap, edging Kyle Larson by a split second and tying Ryan Newman for ninth on the all‑time list.

Denny Hamlin claimed the pole position with a lap of 30.296 seconds at 178.241 mph, tying him for ninth place in career poles with Ryan Newman. Kyle Larson finished second, while Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski and Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five.

Denny Hamlin secured the pole with a 30.296‑second lap at 178.241 mph, marking his third straight oval pole and 52nd career pole, while Kyle Larson, Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski and Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five.

Denny Hamlin claimed the top spot with a 30.296‑second lap at 178.241 mph, edging Kyle Larson and setting the stage for a historic tie with Ryan Newman.
Denny Hamlin secured the pole position at Chicagoland Speedway with a lap of 30.296 seconds, edging Kyle Larson. The performance marks Hamlin's third straight oval pole and ties him with Ryan Newman for ninth on the NASCAR list.

Hamlin’s blistering performance sets the stage for a competitive weekend, with Kyle Larson close behind and a lineup that features drivers from Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and RFK Racing.

Denny Hamlin secured pole position with a 30.296-second lap at 178.241 mph, edging Kyle Larson, while the top five qualifiers set the stage for a dynamic race weekend.

Denny Hamlin secured the pole position for the eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, beating Kyle Larson by just 0.001 seconds in a qualifying session that set the stage for a competitive race.

Denny Hamlin edged Kyle Larson by a split-second to secure pole position for the inaugural NextGen race at Chicagoland Speedway, setting the stage for a competitive showdown.
The Sunday Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway marks the start of the season's second half, featuring a competitive lineup and a track resurgence after seven years of dormancy.

Denny Hamlin secured pole for the NASCAR Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway, edging out Kyle Larson by just 0.001 seconds and entering the event as the points leader.

Denny Hamlin secured pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series event at Chicagoland Speedway, edging Kyle Larson by just 0.001 seconds. The result propels Hamlin to the championship lead while Tyler Reddick prepares to start 13th.
After a seven‑year hiatus, the Cup Series roared back to Illinois, with Hamlin and Larson battling for the front row and a host of familiar names set to battle the 400‑mile showdown.

Denny Hamlin will lead the grid at Chicagoland Speedway on July 5, 2026, as the series returns after a six‑year absence, with a $11.2 million prize on the line and a fierce points chase among the top drivers.