Denny Hamlin aims for eighth Pocono win: rain delays set tense race finish

Denny Hamlin is poised to make history at Pocono Raceway as he aims for his eighth NASCAR Cup Series victory at the track, where he already holds the record with seven wins.

The race faced a significant challenge with a nearly two-hour rain delay, creating uncertainty about the finish. NASCAR has set a cutoff time of 8:25 PM ET for the race. If the event is not completed by then, the leader will cross the line, triggering a two-lap sprint to the finish, adding tension to the closing moments.

Hamlin’s dominance at Pocono is underscored by his pole position win for the fifth time, tying him for the most poles in Cup Series history at this track. His performance makes him a formidable contender despite the weather disruptions.

"For the fifth time in his career, Hamlin won the pole at Pocono. He is now tied for most poles in Cup Series history at Pocono. Of course, he has seven wins, the most all-time in Cup history," a NASCAR official noted.

The rain delay has introduced a strategic element, as teams and drivers must adapt to the possibility of a shortened, high-pressure finish. Fans and competitors alike await the sun to break through and allow the race to conclude under optimal conditions.

Hamlin’s pursuit of an eighth win at Pocono would further cement his legacy as one of the track’s all-time greats, especially under the challenging circumstances of a rain-delayed race.

Denny Hamlin seeks his eighth NASCAR Cup Series win at Pocono Raceway amid rain delays that have pushed the race finish into a tense, potentially two-lap sprint. Hamlin, tied for most poles at Pocono, already holds seven wins, the most in Cup history at the track.