NASCAR News: Hamlin bests Briscoe for pole at Darlington

Denny Hamlin (pictured) once again proved his mastery of Darlington Raceway, the track dubbed “Too Tough to Tame,” by securing the pole position for Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500, the opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

With a blistering single-lap time of 28.694 seconds (171.381 mph), Hamlin edged out Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe by a mere 0.021 seconds, claiming his second Darlington pole, his second of the 2025 season, and the 45th of his career. Notably, he became the first driver to reach 40 poles in a Toyota, having earned his first five with Chevrolet at JGR.

Hamlin’s No. 11 Camry found its edge in Turns 3 and 4, where he made up crucial time. “It turned,” Hamlin said, crediting adjustments made after struggling with balance during practice. However, he admitted the car still needs tweaks to optimize its race-day performance.

Briscoe, who had claimed poles at the previous three crown-jewel races—Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Brickyard 400—fell just short. “That one stings,” he said, reflecting on a strong run through Turns 1 and 2 but a cautious approach into Turn 3 to avoid the wall. “I under-drove it,” he admitted.

Playoff drivers dominated qualifying, locking in the top 12 grid spots. Josh Berry shone in third at 170.578 mph in the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford, his best qualifying effort since Atlanta nine races ago. “I’m super proud of that,” Berry said, emphasizing how a strong starting position eases race management and boosts chances for stage points. “A mistake-free day with good pit stops will keep us in the hunt.”

Tyler Reddick (170.466 mph) took fourth in the No. 45 23XI Toyota, followed by Kyle Larson, the top Chevrolet driver. Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell, Bubba Wallace, Austin Dillon, Austin Cindric, William Byron, and Ryan Blaney rounded out positions six through 12. Other playoff drivers included Joey Logano (14th), Shane van Gisbergen (20th), Chase Elliott (21st), and Alex Bowman (29th).

With five Darlington wins—the most among active drivers—Hamlin’s pole reinforces his dominance at the 1.366-mile egg-shaped track. As the playoffs begin, the stage is set for a fierce battle on Sunday.

Darlington NASCAR Cup Qualifying Results