Denny Hamlin gets Busch Pole Award for Homestead

Denny Hamlin will start the NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead Miami on Pole.

Selection explanation by NASCAR: As NASCAR adapted to COVID-19 protocols last season, practice and qualifying were eliminated at a majority of national-series events to limit at-track time, exposure and to cut race weekend costs. To determine starting lineups, competition officials used grouped draws, added inversions for weekend doubleheaders, and eventually adopted a performance-metrics formula. That metrics format remains in place this season, drawing on performance from both individual races and season-long results.

NASCAR’s metrics formula for 2021 weighs:
– 25 percent: Driver’s finishing position from the previous race
– 25 percent: Car owner’s finishing positions from the previous race
– 35 percent: Team owner points ranking
– 15 percent: Fastest lap from the previous race

Full starting lineup for Homestead Miami: