Denny Hamlin won the pole for his 500th Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start with a track record lap in qualifying for Sunday’s Drydene 400 at Dover International Speedway.
Hamlin went out seventh in qualifying and posted a time of 21.559 seconds (166.984 mph) to score his second pole of the season and the 32nd of his career.
“Going out early was a benefit for us, and we just optimized it,” Hamlin said. “The track tempature stayed pretty consistent through, but certainly didn’t think we were going to run 23.50 by any means. Proud to have that kind of effort with this team and our car has obviously been very good. This weekend, I’ve been very comfortable with it.”
Hamlin joins Rusty Wallace and Buddy Baker as the only drivers to win the pole in their 500th start.
Kyle Larson, who led final practice, qualified second with a time of 21.562 seconds (166.960 mph).
“Based on the data, it looked like I gave up a little bit off of Turn 4,” Larson said. “I feel like I got there pretty good, but three thousands of a second when you’re going that fast isn’t much. I wish I was on the pole.”
Spring Dover winner Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick qualified third and fourth, respectively, and also were faster than the previous track record set in May by Chase Elliott, who rounded out the top five in today’s session.
“I feel good after qualifying,” Harvick said. “I didn’t think that was going to be our strong suit and we got a good lap in there. Starting towards the front will be important. I think our car is really good in race trim.”
William Byron, Aric Almirola, Erik Jones, Kurt Busch and Ryan Blaney completed the top 10.
Brad Keselowski. Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch were the worst qualifiers among the Round of 12 Playoff drivers, qualifying 16th, 17th, and 18th, respectively.
“It is not the easiest to pass here, certainly,” Keselowski said. “It is a tough round and these two races, a lot can happen, this one and Talladega. I am trying not to read too much into it and just take it one race at a time.”
Motor Racing Network’s live coverage of Sunday’s Drydene 400 will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET.
