Despite Hamlin’s very productive career, road courses have never been his strong suit. His lone victory – he has 49 in his career – came at Watkins Glen in 2016.
It was also his second consecutive pole on a road/street course after he started first earlier this month at Sonoma Raceway, led 33 laps but wrecked out late in the race while trying to run down eventual winner Martin Truex Jr.
Saturday’s performance was even more impressive considering none of Hamlin’s fellow competitors had any previous experience on the 2.2-mile, 12-turn Chicago course, which was only completed on Friday.
Even rain early in the day, which forced Xfinity Series teams to use wet weather tires, didn’t dampen Hamlin’s enthusiasm for his prospects.
“Certainly, we were very optimistic about today. I certainly didn’t like waking up to rain. I thought that could’ve really changed things for me quite a bit, and hopefully, it does not rain (on Sunday),” Hamlin said.
“It was just a great day. Probably my single best day at the racetrack in all of my career for sure.”
Source: Autosport