Hamlin wins pole for NASCAR Cup Series' first street race in downtown Chicago

Posted July 01, 2023 1:00 am

Associated Press

Denny Hamlin drives during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Grant Park 220 Saturday. Denny Hamlin won the pole Saturday for the NASCAR Cup Series' first street race, edging Tyler Reddick on the tricky course in downtown Chicago. Associated Press

Denny Hamlin won the pole Saturday for the NASCAR Cup Series' first street race, edging Tyler Reddick on the tricky course in downtown Chicago.

Hamlin led the way for the race Sunday with a lap of 88.435 seconds at an average speed of 89.557 mph on the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course. It's his third pole of the season and No. 39 for his career.

Reddick was second at 88.479 seconds, followed by Shane van Gisbergen in his first NASCAR event and Christopher Bell. Daniel Suárez rounded out the top five in 89.322 seconds.

With Hamlin, Reddick and Bell, Toyota had three of the top four cars. Hamlin and Bell are teammates on Joe Gibbs Racing, and van Gisbergen and Suárez drive for Trackhouse Racing.

The 34-year-old van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion, is the latest international driver to try NASCAR's top series as part of Trackhouse's Project 91. The goal for the team is expanding its global reach.

Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace drive during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Grant Park 220 Saturday. Associated Press

Pit crew members work on race cars during qualifying for the Grant Park 220 NASCAR Cup Series Race Saturday. Associated Press

NASCAR Cup Series driver Cody Ware drives during qualifying for the Grant Park 220 NASCAR Cup Series Race Saturday. Associated Press

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