DARLINGTON, S.C. — Denny Hamlin‘s winning touch at Darlington continued Saturday as the two-time Southern 500 champion won the pole to try and defend his title. Hamlin had a fast lap of 173.571 mph to win his first pole at Darlington.
Kyle Larson was second and defending Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. will start third.
Alex Bowman was fourth, followed by Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman, Erik Jones, Joey Logano, Kurt Busch and William Byron rounding out the top 10.
Kevin Harvick, the series leader with seven wins this season, did not make it to the final round of qualifying and will start 22nd.
Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson qualified 20th.
Hamlin will be a big favorite Sunday night after sweeping the Xfinity and Cup series events here a year ago.