The level of expectations is exponentially higher for Sunday‘s opening playoff race at the “Lady in Black” (6 p.m. ET, USA ...

Denny Hamlin won the pole for Sunday’s Southern 500, the opening race of the Cup playoffs. Playoff drivers dominated Saturday’s qualifying. The top 12 starting spots were claimed by playoff drivers.

Denny Hamlin has confidence coming into the NASCAR Cup playoffs. But he is also worried about one thing that could cause him problems.