Hamlin wins Nationwide pole

Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin picked up his first NASCAR Nationwide Series pole of the season on Friday as he beat teammate Kyle Busch for the top qualifying spot for Friday night’s Royal Purple 200 at Darlington Raceway.

Hamlin’s top speed of 16.031 mph was enough for his 14th career Nationwide Series pole, and in doing so denied Busch his chance for two in a row.

Busch (175.754 mph) will roll off second in his sixth top-five start in nine races this season. Brad Keselowski (175.322 mph), Jamie McMurray (174.767 mph) and Carl Edwards (174.556 mph) rounded out the top five.