Denny Hamlin didn’t have the qualifying run he wanted for the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Starting 20th isn’t where you’d expect to see a driver of his caliber, but NASCAR insiders think this might actually work in Hamlin’s favor on race day.
The 600-mile race is unlike any other on the schedule, and sometimes a bad qualifying spot can turn into a good thing when it comes to pit strategy.
Chase Briscoe grabbed the pole for the Coca-Cola 600, with Kyle Larson and William Byron right behind him. Meanwhile, Hamlin’s 20th-place start is not what fans expected from a driver with 56 NASCAR Cup Series wins and 364 top-10 finishes to his name.
Denny Hamlin’s Recent Struggles Impact Qualifying Position
Hamlin’s been on a rough stretch lately, and that’s hurt his chances at Charlotte. He finished 38th in Texas and 36th in Kansas, then managed only 21st at Talladega. Those poor finishes don’t just cost points, they also affect qualifying.
NASCAR’s system rewards recent performance, so drivers running well get better qualifying positions. Thus, Hamlin’s recent results put him at a disadvantage before he even hit the track.
The veteran driver knows he hasn’t been at his best. Hamlin does have two wins this season, proving he can still deliver when things line up, but the consistency just hasn’t been there. Heading into NASCAR’s longest race, he needed a strong qualifying run to help offset some of those recent struggles.
Hamlin’s Hidden Pit-Road Advantage
Here’s where things get interesting, though. NASCAR insider Dustin Long pointed out something that could turn Hamlin’s qualifying spot into a hidden asset. It comes down to his pit stall and who’s around him.
Long explained on social media that Hamlin’s pit stall has the No. 44 car in front of him and the No. 66 car behind. Both are expected to be running laps down for most of the race, which gives Hamlin’s pit crew more breathing room.
“As long as those cars are not on lead lap, Hamlin will have opening entering his stall and an opening exiting his stall. That should prove helpful throughout the 600,” Long said.
#NASCAR … Denny Hamlin fans should feel good about where Hamlin will pit in Sunday’s Coke 600 despite qualifying 20th (pit stalls taken in order of starting spot.
Hamlin will have the 44 pitting in front of him & the 66 pitting behind him. As long as those cars are not on lead…
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) May 24, 2025
That’s a bigger deal than it might seem. Charlotte’s pit road gets chaotic, and having clean space to get in and out of your stall can save you seconds on every stop.
Over 600 miles and multiple pit cycles, those seconds can add up. While other drivers might get caught behind traffic or forced to wait, Hamlin’s crew could stay on pace without any major delays.
MORE: Bubba Wallace Shakes Off Rough Qualifying Result
That kind of edge might be just what Hamlin needs to climb through the field and challenge for another Coca-Cola 600 win.
