Sixteen drivers qualify for 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship chase
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 8:01 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
The 16-driver field for the 2026 NASCAR Chase for the Cup Series championship has been announced. Competing over the final 10 races of the season, drivers will aim for the highest points total. Denny Hamlin leads the standings with 2,100 points, followed closely by Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick. The championship will culminate in a series of critical races where the final champion will be determined based on performance and points accumulation.
- •Denny Hamlin tops the standings with 2,100 points.
- •Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick follow with 2,075 and 2,065 points respectively.
- •The championship involves performance across the final 10 races.
- •Current drivers in contention include Chase Elliott and Joey Logano.
- 8:01 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 NASCAR Chase Preview: 16 Drivers Set to Battle for the Championship
- 4:10 AMYahoo Sports — 16 NASCAR drivers that will compete in Chase for championship
- 3:14 AMYahoo Sports — 2026 NASCAR Chase field for Cup Series championship in 2026
"The NASCAR Cup Series regular season is officially over, and the 2026 Chase is set. Sixteen drivers will enter the 10 race postseason with one goal: win the NASCAR Cup Series championship. The field was finalized Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway, where Ryan Preece secured the final spot with a dramatic victory. Leading the…
"There will be 16 drivers vying for the title over the next 10 races as NASCAR has set the field for the Chase.
"Here are the 16 drivers who will compete for a championship over the final 10 races of the season.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 8:01 PM2026 NASCAR Chase Preview: 16 Drivers Set to Battle for the Championship
The NASCAR Cup Series regular season is officially over, and the 2026 Chase is set. Sixteen drivers will enter the 10 race postseason with one goal: win the NASCAR Cup Series championship. The field was finalized Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway, where Ryan Preece secured the final spot with a dramatic victory. Leading the…
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 4:10 AM16 NASCAR drivers that will compete in Chase for championship
There will be 16 drivers vying for the title over the next 10 races as NASCAR has set the field for the Chase.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 3:14 AM2026 NASCAR Chase field for Cup Series championship in 2026
Here are the 16 drivers who will compete for a championship over the final 10 races of the season.
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