Championship Battle Tightens With Three Races Remaining
The NASCAR Cup Series championship battle took a dramatic turn Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. Tyler Reddick captured his sixth victory of the 2026 season, while championship leader Kyle Larson suffered a disastrous afternoon that saw him finish 34th after hitting the wall.
With three races remaining in the Chase, Larson still holds the championship lead, but his advantage has nearly disappeared. Christopher Bell has moved within five points of the top spot, setting up a tense battle as the series heads to Talladega Superspeedway.
Updated NASCAR Cup Series Chase Standings
Here are the unofficial championship standings following the Phoenix race:
- Kyle Larson — 2,370 points
- Christopher Bell — 2,365 points (-5)
- Chase Briscoe — 2,346 points (-24)
- Denny Hamlin — 2,339 points (-31)
- Ryan Blaney — 2,330 points (-40)
- Joey Logano — 2,326 points (-44)
- Tyler Reddick — 2,314 points (-56)
- Austin Cindric — 2,240 points (-130)
- Ty Gibbs — 2,238 points (-132)
- Chase Elliott — 2,221 points (-149)
- Carson Hocevar — 2,212 points (-158)
- Bubba Wallace — 2,208 points (-162)
- Daniel Suarez — 2,182 points (-188)
- William Byron — 2,180 points (-190)
- Chris Buescher — 2,166 points (-204)
- Ryan Preece — 2,159 points (-211)
Larson’s Lead Is Suddenly in Danger
Larson entered Phoenix with a 49 point advantage over Hamlin, but his 34th place finish allowed the competition to close in. Bell made the biggest move among the leading contenders, positioning himself just five points behind Larson.
Hamlin also had a difficult race, finishing 28th after a tire failure and pit-road penalty. Despite the setback, he remains fourth and only 31 points behind the leader.
Reddick’s victory was another major storyline. The 23XI Racing driver climbed to seventh in the standings and is now 56 points behind Larson, keeping his championship hopes alive.
Talladega Could Change Everything
The series now heads to Talladega Superspeedway on October 25, where one major wreck or unexpected finish could completely reshape the standings.
With five drivers within 40 points of Larson, the championship fight is far from settled. Larson must recover quickly, while Bell, Briscoe, Hamlin and Blaney have an opportunity to take control with three races remaining.