Hamlin Earns 49th Career Pole at Martinsville

Denny Hamlin waves to the crowed before the Cook Out Southern 500 (Darlington, 2025)

MARTINSVILLE, V.A. - Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin earned his first pole of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Season Saturday, March 28, at Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 400. Hamlin scored his 49th career pole, adding to his historical career. With it, Hamlin made joined all time history as he tied Bobby Isaac for 10th all-time in the category. Hamlin is also looking to make it back to back victories in the Cook Out 400, as he won this race last March.

OTHER NOTABLES:

Hendrick Motorsports showed some sporty long run pace as Kyle Larson paced the field in 30 lap average with a 20.003. Chase Elliott earned 5th in 30 lap average, while William Byron score 11th among the 29 cars who were eligible for the average.

Despite differing circumstances, three of the four Hendrick cars will start inside the top 15. Larson qualified 13th, Elliott 10th, while the winner of the previous race at Martinsville, William Byron joins Hamlin on the front row.

23XI looked great again in practice as Bubba Wallace had the fastest 5 lap and 15 lap averages. Because of bad luck at Darlington, Wallace had to qualify early putting him in an unideal position for starting position this weekend. Ultimately Wallace qualified 15h, meanwhile four time Cup Series winner in 2026, Tyler Reddick qualified 8th.

Lastly, One more big surprise earned top five qualifying positions. It has been a nightmare start to the season for Wood Brothers Racing and Josh Berry, but this weekend seems to have some positive momentum. Overall Berry had the 5th fastest 10 lap average. He then followed up a strong practice with a 3rd place qualifying effort. Berry seeks his second top 10 of the year as heading into this weekend his best finish of the season was 9th in the Daytona 500. Since Daytona Berry hasn't had a finish better than 17th last weekend at Darlington.

UP NEXT:

The NASCAR Cup Series will take on the "Paperclip" tomorrow March 29, at 3:30 PM ET. Coverage of the Cook Out 400 can be found on FS1 and MRN. Coverage from Motorsports Today can also be found on X @MtrsprtsToday, Instagram @Motorsports_Today, Tiktok & Youtube @motorsportstoday!