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

NASCAR championship race tightens as Phoenix race impacts standings

Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 12:04 AM

Last updated Oct 19, 2026

NASCAR championship race tightens as Phoenix race impacts standings

Summary

The NASCAR championship chase tightens following a consequential race at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday. Tyler Reddick won the race but is considered a long shot for the championship. Seven drivers, including Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Joey Logano, are within a close point margin, leading to heightened tension heading into the next race at Talladega Superspeedway. Larson lost significant ground after a poor performance and a tire failure, while Hamlin's misfortunes continue despite being close in the standings. The coming races will be critical for all drivers as the championship scope narrows.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Tyler Reddick won the race at Phoenix Raceway.
•Seven drivers are within one race of the championship lead.
•Kyle Larson's tire failure impacted his championship standings.
•Denny Hamlin scored 12 stage points despite finishing 28th.
•Next race is at Talladega Superspeedway.

Latest Updates

12:04 AMMotorsport.com — NASCAR is getting the championship finish it has pursued since 1992
12:04 AMYahoo Sports — NASCAR is getting the championship finish it has pursued since 1992

What they're saying

"
NASCAR has been chasing the ghost of the 1992 Winston Cup season finale for 34 years, and while there are still three races to go, this appears to be the closest it has gotten short of outright manufacturing it. In the aftermath of a consequential race on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, there are seven drivers within one race, and next up is the wildest of wild cars at Talladega ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com