Winners and losers from an intriguing NASCAR Cup race at Las Vegas

At the 2026 NASCAR Cup race in Las Vegas, Chase Briscoe emerged as the winner, extending his title aspirations and avoiding a potentially disastrous end like he experienced in Kansas. However, it was not an easy victory, as he had to fend off relentless pressure from Kyle Larson, who was again hot on his heels. During the intense finale, Briscoe managed to hold onto the lead, creating a thrilling showdown for fans.

On the other hand, Denny Hamlin's race started with a strong lead from pole position but quickly unraveled after a strategic decision by his crew chief to surrender the lead for fresh tires. Hamlin's car spun out just shy of Stage 1, resulting in a disappointing 16th-place finish. His effort seemed to reflect the struggles of his No. 11 team, which has been inconsistent throughout the Chase.

Meanwhile, Kyle Larson showcased his resilience and crew chief Cliff Daniels' strategic genius by mounting a remarkable comeback. After starting one lap down, Larson made bold adjustments and eventually reclaimed the lead, finishing the race just outside the top three, a mere two laps behind Briscoe.

Christopher Bell, once in a comfortable position, suffered a mechanical failure in his power steering system, which ultimately hindered his progress and left him in a disappointing 23rd place. The incident left Bell disheartened and frustrated, as he had been one of the top contenders in the Chase.

Bubba Wallace, in his 23XI Racing Toyota, was leading the charge with a potential win in Vegas. However, his day came to an abrupt end when he found himself in a fierce battle with Chase Briscoe, resulting in a collision and a final-place finish. The loss was a setback for the team, as they had been hoping to secure a victory in the closing stages of the Chase.