Nascar – Hamlin returns to the forefront in Charlotte

Denny Hamlin will have a tough challenge ahead as he looks to secure a spot in the Chase. After being absent from the circuits for several weeks following a fractured vertebra at Fontana, the Joe Gibbs Racing resident proves that he is still able to fight at the front. By setting a time of 27, the driver of the No. 604 Camry took his first time on the Charlotte oval, the second of the season and the 11th of his career. “Winning the big trophy this Sunday will be validation that I am back.”, commented the pole sitter who at the same time set the new lap record on the oval. “I will be aiming for wins and consistency this summer to put us in a good position to have a chance at the Championship. That's why I'm here. Even these small victories prove to me that I am still capable of doing the job 100% the way it should be done. » But this pole certainly brings back bad memories since his last one went back to Fontana.

The Toyota were in the spotlight as four Camrys were in the top five. Only the Chevrolet of Kurt Busch (Furniture Row Racing) came between the Japanese cars, the latter even being the closest to pole. Matt Kenseth (Joe Gibbs Racing) and Mark Martin (Michael Waltrip Racing) complete the second row ahead of Clint Bowyer (Michael Waltrip Racing) and Kasey Kahne (Hendrick Motorsports). Greg Biffle (Roush Fenway Racing), Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing), Jamie McMurray (Earnhardt Ganassi Racing) and Ryan Newman (Stewart-Haas Racing) complete the top ten on the grid. Championship leader Jimmie Johnson (Hendrick Motosports), who won last weekend at the All-Star Race, took 12th place behind Dale Earnhardt Jr (Hendrick Motorsports). Juan-Pablo Montoya (Earnhardt Ganassi Racing) will start from 16th position. Brad Keselowski (Penske Racing) had to settle for 20th place. Danica Patrick (Stewart-Haas Racing) will start 24th.