Denny Hamlin Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Source: Jayski

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September 7, 2025
Denny Hamlin will lead the field to the green for the second straight NASCAR Playoffs weekend, as the No. 11 Toyota was the fastest in qualifying on Saturday evening with a lap of 32.330 seconds (139.190 mph). Hamlin was also on the pole for last weekend's race at Darlington but led just 12 laps before ultimately finishing seventh. Looking at Gateway, this track is one where it is very difficult to pass, so as long as Hamlin gets the lead early, he should be able to stay in front for quite a while. Denny is an elite racer on flat tracks and here specifically he has finished second in each of the last two races. In practice this weekend, the No. 11 Toyota looked solid, ranking eighth-best in 30-lap average. Additionally, Hamlin finished second at Phoenix earlier this season (a very comparable track), so it's set up to be a strong weekend for the No. 11 team. Hamlin is a solid DFS option even at his $10,700 price tag.--Jordan McAbee
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