Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Hamlin Snags Pocono Pole as Rain Delays Start

6/14/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Hamlin Secures Pole

Denny Hamlin won pole at Pocono with a 51.948-second lap (173.250 mph) on June 13, 2026, while Kyle Larson qualified second and Daniel Suarez, Ty Gibbs and Chase Briscoe filled the top five.
On-track problems forced three drivers to the rear after Carson Hocevar spun, Bubba Wallace crashed and Brad Keselowski lost a cylinder.
Rain threats moved the start to 1 p.m. ET on June 14, 2026, with the race set to air on Prime Video/HBO Max.

Summary

Harvick Backs Wallace

Kevin Harvick predicted Bubba Wallace would win, giving him his fourth correct pick in five recent races.
Wallace spun in qualifying, earned no time and will start from the rear of the Pocono field.
Harvick said Wallace’s improved attitude and recent Michigan momentum should increase his speed.
Co-host Kaitlyn Vincie and Mamba Smith expressed opposite picks, favoring Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney respectively.

Summary

Jones Takes Pole

The MillerTech Battery 250 runs 100 laps on Saturday, June 13 at Pocono, the 17th O’Reilly points event.
Cup drivers Cole Custer, William Byron, Connor Zilisch and Austin Hill will double-duty this weekend.
Brandon Jones won pole with a 54.686-second lap at 164.576 mph, 0.063 seconds ahead of teammate Taylor Gray.
Justin Allgaier leads with 770 points while William Sawalich sits ninth with 429, 42 ahead of Rajah Caruth.

History

Historical Context

Jeff Gordon’s 1998 pole at Pocono, set with a 53.027-second lap during the May 31 qualifying session, marked a speed surge that helped shape NASCAR’s two-round qualifying format and contributed to his season total of seven poles. That emphasis on raw speed echoes today as Denny Hamlin’s 173.250-mph pole and Bubba Wallace’s grid penalty shape the race strategy.

1 of 4

Hamlin Secures Pole

Denny Hamlin won pole at Pocono with a 51.948-second lap (173.250 mph) on June 13, 2026, while Kyle Larson qualified second and Daniel Suarez, Ty Gibbs and Chase Briscoe filled the top five.
On-track problems forced three drivers to the rear after Carson Hocevar spun, Bubba Wallace crashed and Brad Keselowski lost a cylinder.
Rain threats moved the start to 1 p.m. ET on June 14, 2026, with the race set to air on Prime Video/HBO Max.

1 / 4