As NASCAR begins another title Chase, a look at the contenders and pretenders in the 16-man field

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The NASCAR Cup Series standings have been reset. Denny Hamlin, the regular-season champion, has been overtaken by Ryan Blaney, leaving a mere 25-point gap as the playoffs commence. The Chase for the championship starts at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina on Sunday, featuring a 10-race cumulative points battle for the Bill France Cup.

NASCAR adjusted its championship rules in January, discarding knockouts after every third postseason race and returning to the original 10-race format established in 2004. Here's a look at the 16 drivers vying for the championship and their chances heading into Darlington:

1. Denny Hamlin: Leading the pack with an 880-lap lead and four wins this year, Hamlin is the betting favorite, but his sentimental value adds to his appeal after a challenging year. He aims to capitalize on this reset advantage.

2. Ryan Blaney: With three wins in four consecutive years, Blaney has secured the title twice since 2023. He's now only the betting favorite among the contenders.

3. Tyler Reddick: The 23XI driver boasts five victories this season and is back on track after a slow start in June and July. A top-10 finish in his last two races suggests momentum is returning.

4. Kyle Larson: Despite a 50-race winless streak, Larson is the defending champion and races for the team with the most wins and titles. His experience and pedigree make him a serious contender.

5. Joey Logano: The three-time champion has slipped to 20th at the season's end but has won twice since June. His performance in even-numbered years suggests he could be a threat.

6. Ty Gibbs: With two wins and 16 top-10 finishes in his fourth season, Gibbs shows consistency. However, five DNFs could be a concern in the playoff format.

7. Chase Briscoe: Finishing third last season and currently fifth in the standings, Briscoe's Toyota wins demonstrate his capability. His position in the field is bolstered by Toyota's recent success.

8. Christopher Bell: Bell's luck has seemingly run out, with seven runner-up finishes at JGR. However, the momentum shift could work in his favor.

9. Chase Elliott: Two wins for Hendrick Motorsports make the 2020 champion a serious threat. His experience and pedigree make him a strong contender.

10. William Byron: After slipping in 2026, Byron has advanced to the championship finale three years in a row. His ability to rise to the occasion could see him through to the final race.

11. Bubba Wallace: As the last of six Toyota drivers in the 16-man field, Wallace's equipment and team owner Michael Jordan could be key factors in his bid for the title.

12. Chris Buescher: Despite a dead-last finish at Daytona, Buescher's last four races have shown flashes of brilliance. A resurgence could propel him into the championship conversation.

13. Daniel Suarez: With only one top-10 finish in 19 starts, Suarez's chances are slim. However, his consistency and potential show that he's a potential dark horse.

14. Carson Hocevar: Touted as NASCAR's newest villain, Hocevar's recent form has been inconsistent. Breaking out of his slump could make him a surprise contender.

15. Austin Cindric: With three straight top-12 finishes, Cindric could surprise with a late-season surge. He'll need to perform exceptionally well to challenge for the title.