Denny Hamlin's slim championship odds get boost with Martinsville pole

Denny Hamlin's slim chances of winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship were given a boost when he secured the pole position at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday. On the other hand, Kyle Larson was starting third, meaning there's no easy path for Hamlin to close the 73-point deficit he faces with only two races remaining. Hamlin acknowledged that even if he wins the next two races, he would only have a 60% statistical chance of taking the championship from Larson.

However, Hamlin is not under any pressure and is simply focusing on winning his seventh Ridgeway Grandfather Clock trophy. He stated, "For us personally, it feels good that you don't have to make something happen to have that big point day." Hamlin explained that being up front or having track position is not necessary for victory if you can execute well.

The only way he could realistically win is through luck, such as having a lead lap at Homestead or Larson having a terrible race with no stage points. Larson responded that it's tough to consider such a scenario, but his team's focus on preparing a good racecar and performing well in pit practice has been crucial throughout The Chase and this season.