Hamlin grabs Martinsville pole
Denny Hamlin took the Busch Light Pole Award at Martinsville — his 49th career pole and fifth at the track — setting him up as a strong contender for Sunday’s Cup race. (nascar.com) The pole came after tight qualifying runs and leaves the race shaping up as a tactical showdown for track position. (nascar.com)
Hamlin’s No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota posted a 98.241 mph lap in qualifying, beating William Byron by 0.056 seconds for the top time. (nascar.com) The No. 11 carried Bob’s Discount Furniture as its primary sponsor during the session. (jayski.com) Hamlin told media he targeted a top-eight run and believed he “would go faster” if he attempted another flying lap. (nascar.com) His qualifying result moves him onto the list of drivers tied with Bobby Issac for the 10th-most pole awards in series history. (nascar.com) William Byron will start alongside Hamlin in the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and is still chasing the first Chevrolet victory of the 2026 season. (nascar.com) Josh Berry (No. 21) qualified third and will share the second row with Ty Gibbs (No. 54), with Shane van Gisbergen fifth; Austin Cindric, Carson Hocevar, Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano and Chase Elliott complete the top 10. (nascar.com) Bubba Wallace turned the fastest lap in Saturday’s practice at 96.195 mph, topping the 50-minute session ahead of qualifying. (nascar.com)
