{
  "id": 10013616,
  "title": "Larson leads Hamlin by single point in Cup Series playoffs as rainout sets Kansas starting lineup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/larson-leads-hamlin-by-single-point-in-cup-series-playoffs-as-rainout",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T16:14:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/autoracing/2026/09/26/larson-leads-hamlin-by-single-point-in-cup-series-playoffs-as-rainout-sets-kansas-starting-lineup"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kansas City, Kan. (AP) — Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin are the top two drivers in the Cup Series standings after only three races in the playoffs. Larson, aiming for a second consecutive title and third overall, is currently one point ahead of Hamlin. However, Hamlin has a significant advantage at Kansas Speedway, with four wins at the track, including the last one last year. The only race where Hamlin hasn’t been in the top 10 in the last 10 races was due to a mechanical issue.\n\nThis weekend, both Larson and Hamlin benefited from a rainout, which means they will start the race near the front without a qualifying session. Larson, with three wins at Kansas in his last 10 starts, is considered to have a better feel for the track. Similarly, Hamlin feels confident about his knowledge of the track and relies on his notes to perform well.\n\nThe race will see Larson and Hamlin on the front row alongside Joey Logano and Ty Gibbs, while Christopher Bell and Carson Hocevar will be behind them. The rainout has affected the standings, with Blaney starting 33rd after a pit-lane incident at Bristol, which cost him 52 points. Larson and Hamlin are the favorites to win Sunday's race, with Reddick and Tyler Reddick also in the mix.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Kyle Larson leads Denny Hamlin by one point in playoffs.",
    "Hamlin has four wins at Kansas Speedway, including last year.",
    "Rainout means Larson and Hamlin start near front without qualifying."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}