Kyle Larson eyes championship under new NASCAR playoff format

Kyle Larson believes the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 team is capable of winning multiple races during the 2026 NASCAR Chase. Entering the postseason seventh in the standings, Larson sits 55 points behind leader Denny Hamlin. The 2026 format replaces elimination rounds with a 10-race point accumulation system, meaning a driver could technically secure the title without winning a race. Larson acknowledged the irony of such a scenario, noting that his former rival Joey Logano was a primary catalyst for previous system changes. Larson aims to demonstrate speed and consistency to close the point gap, starting with the race at Darlington. The team will maintain their current point standing through the season finale at Homestead to determine the champion.

• 9:35 PMYahoo Sports — Kyle Larson Jokes He Could Give NASCAR a Reason to Change Its Championship Format Again