Hamlin Takes the Lead at Southern 500

DARLINGTON, S.C. — In a thrilling display of speed, Denny Hamlin has snatched the pole position for Sunday’s Southern 500, marking the start of the much-anticipated Cup playoffs. This pivotal race is set to ignite the competition among the sport’s elite.

Playoff Racers Rule the Roster

In a stunning showcase, playoff contenders filled the top 12 starting spots during Saturday’s qualifying rounds. Hamlin, with an impressive lap of 171.381 mph, celebrated his second pole of the season and the remarkable 46th of his career. This achievement also makes him the first driver to hit 40 poles with Toyota at Darlington.

A Powerful Front Row

Joining Hamlin on the front row is his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Chase Briscoe, who clinched a spot with a speedy lap of 171.255 mph. Briscoe is the defending champion of last year’s Southern 500, adding an intriguing layer to the competition.

Top Qualifiers Make Their Mark

Following the front row, Josh Berry clocked in third at 170.578 mph, with Tyler Reddick and Kyle Larson trailing close behind at 170.466 mph and 170.012 mph, respectively. The race lineup highlights the dominance of playoff drivers, with 13 of the top 14 spots occupied by them.

Notable Absences in the Top Spots

The only playoff drivers struggling to break into the top 20 include Shane van Gisbergen in 20th, Chase Elliott in 21st, and Alex Bowman in 29th, casting a shadow over their playoff ambitions.

Non-Playoff Contender Shines Bright

Surprisingly, Justin Haley emerged as the top non-playoff driver, qualifying in 13th place with a lap of 169.222 mph, ensuring he won’t go unnoticed in this high-stakes race.

Countdown to the Green Flag

Fans can look forward to an exhilarating race day, with the green flag set to wave at 6:05 p.m. ET on USA Network, promising an action-packed showdown for the prestigious Southern 500 trophy.