Kyle Larson Claims 2026 Title
Kyle Larson secured his third career NASCAR Cup Series championship on November 8, 2026, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, finishing 49 points ahead of championship runner-up Christopher Bell, according to Yahoo Sports.
Larson locked up the 2026 title early by finishing fourth in the opening stage of the season-ending race. He ultimately crossed the finish line in 12th place, safely clearing his rivals in the final standings. Denny Hamlin rounded out the top three in the championship chase, finishing 56 points behind Larson.
Final 2026 NASCAR Cup Series standings
Ryan Blaney delivered a standout performance at Homestead, winning the season finale and jumping three positions in the final standings to finish fourth overall. Tyler Reddick closed out the year in fifth place.
Reddick led all drivers with six race victories during the 2026 season, according to Yahoo Sports. Carson Hocevar ended his season in 14th place in the points standings, per the Tennessean. Below are the final 2026 NASCAR Cup Series standings for the top-six drivers:
| Position | Driver | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Larson | 2,501 |
| 2 | Christopher Bell | 2,452 |
| 3 | Denny Hamlin | 2,445 |
| 4 | Ryan Blaney | 2,407 |
| 5 | Tyler Reddick | 2,397 |
| 6 | Chase Briscoe | 2,386 |
Points and performance details for top drivers
Christopher Bell secured second place in the championship standings with 2,452 points, finishing 49 points behind the champion. Bell recorded one win and 16 top-five finishes over the 36-race schedule, according to TobyChristie.com data. Denny Hamlin took third place in the final standings with 2,445 points, trailing Larson by 56 points.
Hamlin collected four wins and 16 top-five finishes during the year. Ryan Blaney’s victory at Homestead vaulted the Team Penske driver to fourth place with 2,407 points. Chase Briscoe and Joey Logano finished tied with 2,386 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kyle Larson clinch the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship?
Larson secured the title during the opening stage of the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway after finishing fourth in Stage 1.
What was the final points margin between Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell?
Larson finished the 36-race season with 2,501 points, putting him 49 points ahead of runner-up Christopher Bell.
Which driver earned the most race wins during the 2026 season?
Tyler Reddick led all competitors with six race victories, finishing the year fifth in the standings with 2,397 points.
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