Zane Smith fined $50,000 by NASCAR for ramming Carson Hocevar after Phoenix Cup race

In the final race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season, the championship picture has dramatically shifted. Kyle Larson, who led the championship, suffered a DNF (Did Not Finish) due to a cut tire and finished 34th, earning only three points. This drop from the lead resulted in Christopher Bell moving up to second place, just five points behind Larson.

Chase Briscoe, previously in third place, maintained his position but is now just 24 points behind the leader. Denny Hamlin, who experienced a flat tire and a speeding penalty, dropped to fourth place. However, he gained some ground, now being 31 points behind Larson.

Two drivers from the renowned Penske team, Blaney and Logano, made significant gains, effectively erasing at least half of their deficit to the leader. Tyler Reddick, who won the race, pulled within 56 points of the championship lead. Chase Elliott, on the other hand, jumped two positions to tenth place with a third-place finish in the race.

The biggest change in the Chase standings was seen in the driver's position, with Daniel Suarez moving up to 13th with a gain of one point. Bubba Wallace and William Byron each lost one point, dropping to 12th and 14th respectively.

The battle for the 17th position in the best of the rest group saw Shane van Gisbergen pulling ahead of Brad Keselowski and Ross Chastain. In the overall standings, Chase Elliott gained two positions to take the tenth place. Denny Hamlin, however, suffered the biggest loss, falling from second to fourth.