Denny Hamlin Wins Third Consecutive Pole at NASCAR Enjoy Illinois 300 Gateway

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continue with the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, a 240-lap, 300-mile afternoon race that serves as the second race in the Round of 16. Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin secured the pole position for the event, marking his third pole of the season and 46th career, with Hendrick Motorsports' Kyle Larson joining him on the front row. The race is divided into three stages, with points awarded to winners of each stage and the overall race winner, impacting the playoff standings. Notable playoff drivers Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman qualified poorly, while others like Chase Briscoe and Ross Chastain started near the front. The event is televised live on USA Network and streamed on HBO Max, with radio coverage available via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Following this race, the final race of the opening playoff round will be the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.