Two weeks in a row, Denny Hamlin has claimed the pole for the NASCAR Cup Series. What a hot start to the postseason. Hamlin was fastest in qualifying at World Wide Technology Raceway and will lead the Enjoy Illinois 300 to green on Sunday.
Things have gone well for Denny Hamlin to start the postseason. He is the top driver in points among those in the NASCAR Playoffs. Only Chase Briscoe, with his win, is doing better at the moment.
An interesting practice and qualifying session at Gateway today. Tomorrow’s race is going to be uncertain. Hamlin will certainly be on the pole, though.
Chase Briscoe is right there with Denny Hamlin. He will try to prevent other playoff drivers from having the benefit of an automatic spot in the Round of 12 by winning. Then there is Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain.
There are a few drivers throughout the field who could find themselves moving up out of necessity. Not everyone had as good a day on the track as Hamlin.
The NASCAR Playoffs take the best performances from drivers to advance. Denny Hamlin is making an early statement with the pure speed he has had the last two weeks. Now, he has to put it together and get the win. If he is able to do that, then his chances to make a deep run increase dramatically.
Denny Hamlin looking to win and advance after Gateway
Every driver in the Round of 16 wants to win one of the first two races. Not only does it lock a team into the next round, but it gives them another week to focus in on whichever track they are best at in the next round.
For Denny Hamlin, a Gateway win would be massive. It opens the schedule for an extra week of prep on Kansas and/or New Hampshire in the Round of 12. From there, a win would mean a ticket to the Round of 8. Once a drive gets to that point, they have at least a fighter’s chance of making Phoenix.
We have seen Team Penske more or less perfect this method. Get a win to advance. Survive on points for a round if needed. Make the Round of 8, win Vegas or Martinsville and advance to Phoenix. It’s worked for three years so far.
Can Denny Hamlin turn this pole into a win? It would do a lot for his championship hopes.
