Hamlin Secures Pole as Joe Gibbs Racing Dominates NASCAR Qualifying at Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV — Denny Hamlin claimed the pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, leading a strong showing from Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin recorded a lap time of 29.213 seconds at an average speed of 184.849 mph, marking his first pole at this track in 28 attempts and the 47th of his Cup Series career. Notably, he won the playoff race here in 2021.
“I felt good about it, truthfully. There wasn’t a whole lot left out there for it. Great job by this team to get my car good,” Hamlin stated post-qualifying. He emphasized the importance of long-run performance as he prepares for the race.
Chase Briscoe qualified second with a speed of 184.622 mph, while Christopher Bell followed closely in third at 184.584 mph. Bell previously secured pole positions at Las Vegas for the last two fall races.
Hendrick Motorsports filled the next three grid spots: Chase Elliott in fourth (184.559 mph), William Byron in fifth (184.275 mph), and Kyle Larson in sixth (184.124 mph). Bubba Wallace (183.667 mph), Tyler Reddick (183.592 mph), and Joey Logano (183.542 mph) completed the top nine, with Ty Gibbs, fastest in practice, rounding out the top ten at 183.337 mph.
Logano enters the race as the defending champion of the South Point 400, while Ryan Blaney was the only playoff driver to qualify outside the top ten, securing 14th place. Josh Berry, who previously won at Las Vegas earlier this year, will start from 29th.
A total of 38 teams will compete in the South Point 400, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Starting Grid Summary (Top 10)
- Denny Hamlin – 184.849 mph
- Chase Briscoe – 184.622 mph
- Christopher Bell – 184.584 mph
- Chase Elliott – 184.559 mph
- William Byron – 184.275 mph
- Kyle Larson – 184.124 mph
- Bubba Wallace – 183.667 mph
- Tyler Reddick – 183.592 mph
- Joey Logano – 183.542 mph
- Ty Gibbs – 183.337 mph
