Hamlin Wins Sixth Martinsville Pole, Larson Third

Denny Hamlin won the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville, posting a 98.492-mph lap for his career-best sixth pole of the season. At 45, he also became the oldest pole winner at the track, and the front-row start gives him a strong opportunity to challenge for the title with two races remaining. Kyle Larson qualified third and holds a 73-point lead over Hamlin; Larson said he is focused on protecting that advantage rather than clinching the championship at Martinsville. Hamlin, who has won five of his six Martinsville races from the pole, said the team will need to execute on race day as it tries to close the points gap.