Denny Hamlin leads NASCAR Cup series standings after regular season
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 6:08 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Following the conclusion of the regular season, Denny Hamlin is positioned at the top of the NASCAR Cup Championship standings. He has been reset to 2,100 points as the No. 1 seed, shifting from an 89-point lead to now holding a 25-point buffer over the competition. The top 16 drivers in the standings are closely contested, separated by just 100 points overall. Ryan Preece has secured the final playoff spot for the Chase with his recent efforts. The playoffs will commence shortly, setting the stage for the championship race ahead.
- •Denny Hamlin finishes regular season as No. 1 seed.
- •Top 16 drivers within 100 points of each other.
- •Ryan Preece claims final playoff spot.
- •Hamlin scored 1,027 points before reset.
- 6:08 AMMotorsport.com — Complete NASCAR Cup points standings after Daytona 2026
"The regular season is over, and Denny Hamlin sits atop the reset championship standings. Gone is his 89-point lead, replaced with a 25-point buffer. In fact, the entire top 16 is separated by just 100 points. Hamlin scored 1,027 points in the regular season before being reset to 2,100 as the No. 1 seed. Ryan Preece secured the 16th and final spot in the Chase standings after earning his first ...Keep reading
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