Denny Hamlin on the pole for Southern 500

Posted September 02, 2018 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Kevin Harvick leads during early stages of a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) The Associated Press

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) - Denny Hamlin will look to end a yearlong drought in NASCAR's top series when he starts on the pole for the Southern 500.

Hamlin has not won since taking the checkered flag at Darlington Raceway a year ago. He showed his Darlington touch might be back when he turned the fastest lap in qualifying, and then finished fourth in the Xfinity race Saturday.

Hamlin is on the verge of clinching one of the four remaining spots in NASCAR's playoffs. He needs eight points to lock up his 12th playoff berth in 13 seasons.

Kyle Larson starts second Sunday night and last year's Cup series champion Martin Truex Jr. is third. Current points leader Kyle Busch qualified fifth while series wins leader Kevin Harvick will start 22nd.

___

More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/tag/apf-AutoRacing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Denny Hamlin talks with a crew member on pit road before winning the pole for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) The Associated Press

Kyle Busch stands near his car in the garage before a NASCAR Cup Series auto racing practice session at Darlington Raceway, Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) The Associated Press

Martin Truex Jr. walks through the garage area before a NASCAR Cup Series auto racing practice session at Darlington Raceway, Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.