League: NASCAR Sport: Motorsports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

NASCAR begins 2026 Cup Series playoffs with 16 drivers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

NASCAR begins 2026 Cup Series playoffs with 16 drivers

Summary

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series regular season has concluded, finalizing the 16-driver field for the upcoming Chase for the championship. Ryan Preece secured the final playoff spot following a win at Daytona International Speedway, resulting in Shane Van Gisbergen being eliminated from contention. Denny Hamlin enters the 10-race postseason as the regular season champion, carrying a 25-point lead over Ryan Blaney. The playoffs open this Sunday, Sept. 6, with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Following the Darlington event, the series moves to World Wide Technology Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, Martinsville Speedway, and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Drivers will compete for the title over this final 10-race stretch.

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By the Numbers

•Denny Hamlin leads the standings entering the 16-driver playoff field.
•Ryan Preece qualified for the Chase after a victory at Daytona.
•The 10-race postseason begins Sunday, Sept. 6, at Darlington Raceway.
•Playoff drivers include Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Ty Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe.

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