Christopher Bell wins Southern 500 as NASCAR playoff standings tighten
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 7:24 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
Christopher Bell secured a victory at the Southern 500, tightening the standings in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Despite sustained damage to his vehicle following contact with Michael McDowell, Denny Hamlin finished 18th, relying on 16 stage points to maintain a narrow 12-point lead over Bell. Ryan Blaney finished fourth, placing him 16 points behind the leader, while Tyler Reddick trailed by 24 points after a third-place finish. Ty Gibbs crossed the line in second, followed by Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe. William Byron finished 37th after suffering an engine failure, leaving him 16th in the standings and 116 points out of the lead. The series moves next to World Wide Technology Raceway with several contenders clustered within one race's worth of points from the top spot.
- •Christopher Bell won the Southern 500 and now sits 12 points behind Denny Hamlin.
- •Denny Hamlin finished 18th after contact with Michael McDowell damaged his car.
- •Ty Gibbs placed second while Tyler Reddick finished third.
- •William Byron dropped to 16th in the standings following an engine failure.
- •Ryan Blaney holds the third position in the standings, 16 points out of the lead.
- 7:24 AMYahoo Sports — Southern 500 turns early NASCAR Chase into a dogfight
- 7:24 AMMotorsport.com — Southern 500 turns early NASCAR Chase into a dogfight
"Joey Logano called the Chase for the Championship format 10 weeks of hell, and Denny Hamlin learned immediately that his regular season title afforded him very little comfort in the pursuit of that elusive achievement. On the other hand, the 16 stage points he earned over the first half of the Southern 500 somewhat offset contact from Michael McDowell that broke a right front toe link and a ...Keep reading
"Denny Hamlin's misfortune brings everyone closer to the front
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 7:24 AMSouthern 500 turns early NASCAR Chase into a dogfight
Denny Hamlin's misfortune brings everyone closer to the front
- Motorsport.comSep 7, 2026, 7:24 AMSouthern 500 turns early NASCAR Chase into a dogfight
Joey Logano called the Chase for the Championship format 10 weeks of hell, and Denny Hamlin learned immediately that his regular season title afforded him very little comfort in the pursuit of that elusive achievement. On the other hand, the 16 stage points he earned over the first half of the Southern 500 somewhat offset contact from Michael McDowell that broke a right front toe link and a ...Keep reading
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