Daytona Drama: Five Drivers, Three Spots, One Last Chance—Who races into the 2026 Chase in the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale?
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway to end its regular season, the Chase picture is nearly complete with five drivers fighting for three spots in the 16-car field.
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – AUGUST 23: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Dutch Boy Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 23, 2026, in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Ryan Blaney goes back-to-back with a NASCAR Cup Series win at New Hampshire; Denny Hamlin secures No. 1 Chase seedin the Dollar Tree 301.
LOUDON, N.H. – Under varying weather conditions, a rain delay, 40 laps driving on wet weather tires and then the race slowed nine times for caution flags before the bright sun emerged for the final run to the checkered flag, Ryan Blaney proved himself best again at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, hoisting his second consecutive giant lobster in Victory Lane and just as importantly making a bold statement about his Penske team’s intent to surge into the Chase an absolute championship favorite.
Corey Heim: A Generational Talent by Reid Scearce highlights a milestone moment in the NASCAR Cup Series at Naval Base Coronado
On June 21, 2026, the stock car racing world witnessed a monumental step in the career of young driver Corey Heim. The 23-year-old scored his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win in just his 13th career start and sixth of the 2026 season.
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 26: Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2026, in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Carson Hocevar rises to his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday afternoon in the Jack Link’s 500.
TALLADEGA, Ala. – Fitting for his first career NASCAR Cup Series win, Carson Hocevar turned in an ultra-original victory celebration sitting on the window ledge of his No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet while driving around the massive 2.66-mile Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, soaking up the emotions that will forever define and reward his first victory lap.