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Hamlin snatches Phoenix pole with Byron, Larson hot on his heels

Denny Hamlin will begin his NASCAR Cup Series championship quest from the pole Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway.

Hamlin topped the board in the final qualifying session of the 2025 season with a lap of 133.759mph (26.914s) – his fifth pole of the year and fourth at Phoenix.

“We’re trying; we’re doing everything we can,” he said of winning the championship. “I’m really proud of this whole Progressive Toyota team. We’ve worked hard on it. We’ve really been working hard, and hopefully we get the payoff tomorrow.”

William Byron and Kyle Larson, two of the three other Cup Series title contenders, qualified second and third. Byron clocked in at 133.551mph; Larson’s fast lap was 133.437mph.

Austin Cindric qualified fourth at 133.249mph, Ryan Blaney fifth at 133.190mph, Carson Hocevar sixth at 133.141mph, Josh Berry seventh at 132.876mph, Alex Bowman eighth at 132.871mph, Chris Buescher ninth at 132.787mph and Joey Logano tenth at 132.748mph.

Chase Briscoe, the fourth championship contender, qualified 12th (132.680mph).

All four teams in the title hunt will have the pick of pit stall selections before the rest of the field. It will follow the order of qualifying, with Hamlin’s team picking their stall first, followed by Byron, Larson and Briscoe.

“We’re obviously going to be in a great starting spot there at this point,” Hamlin said. “Then we have to make sure we do all the right things, and that’s execute the entire day. Largely, that’s going to rest on my shoulders, so I’ll do the best I can.”

AJ Allmendinger was the only driver who did not post a qualifying time. Allmendinger crashed during Friday’s practice session because of a tire issue, and his Kaulig Racing team is preparing the backup car for Sunday’s finale.

There will be 38 teams that take the green flag on Sunday afternoon.

NEXT: The Cup Series championship finale at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.

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