Denny Hamlin wins pole award for Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum

After a quick session in practice, Denny Hamlin held on to win the pole award for the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. Hamlin made it around the quarter-mile track faster than anyone else in the field in the rescheduled Clash.

Denny Hamlin really pushed it in the corners and just got the most out of his car. It is so hard to find those extra tenths and hundredths on a quarter-mile track and with such little time. This was a great overall showing for Toyota as they debuted the Camry XSE.

Tonight, the Cup series will race 150 laps around the LA Coliseum. Will Hamlin end up driving his No. 11 Sports Clips Toyota from the pole and into victory lane?

“I’ve been pretty happy with the Sport Clips Toyota so far,” Hamlin said after taking the pole. “We’ve only had little short runs here and there but you never know with the Clash. And certainly with the lesser field amount I think the strong cars can show. I think Chris and team did a great job preparing a great car for me and just driving it all we can.”

He'll lead the field to green tonight in LA! @JamieLittleTV talks with @dennyhamlin after Coliseum qualifying. #NASCARonFS1 pic.twitter.com/d3nliWlyrO

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 4, 2024

Joey Logano, Ty Gibbs, Alex Bowman, and Kyle Busch made up the rest of the top five in qualifying. A surprise entry into the Busch Light Clash, Justin Haley in the Rick Ware Racing No. 51 Ford. John Hunter Nemechek also made the big show in his first start for Legacy Motor Club in 2024.

Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson made the final race, as well as Corey LaJoie. These drivers are all trying to make early-season statements.

Denny Hamlin still recovering, wins pole award

According to Denny, his shoulder is still recovering. Hamlin had to get surgery in the offseason after a hereditary issue turned into something much more serious. Now that he’s had the surgery, he is feeling better, but still not 100%.

That makes it even more impressive that Hamlin was able to get it done on the tight corners of the LA Coliseum track. It is no joke and a really good test on that shoulder for the JGR driver.

Denny Hamlin is after one thing and one thing only at this point in his career, winning. Winning races and winning a championship, most importantly. The timeframe for a championship is closing for Hamlin. He starts 2024 off on a strong foot, though.

Hungry and looking for more than he had in 2023, Hamlin is going to be a hard driver to beat this season.