{
  "id": 15278999,
  "title": "Catching Larson in the NASCAR Chase has to start at track where 'I suck'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/catching-larson-in-the-nascar-chase-has-to-start-at-track-where-i-suck-15278999",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T20:55:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motorsport.com",
    "slug": "motorsport-com",
    "url": "https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/catching-larson-in-the-nascar-chase-has-to-start-at-track-where-i-suck-/10865957/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Chase comes down to three contenders, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell, it's time for Larson to prove he can win races if he wants to keep his championship hopes alive. On Saturday, NASCAR gathered these three presumptive finalists at Phoenix Raceway to discuss their final four races and what it takes to secure the championship.\n\nHamlin entered the final 10 races with a 25-point championship lead and a commanding lead in points. However, Larson has emerged as the second most points leader and has averaged a solid 2.6 finish over six races. Despite his success, Larson isn't coasting and has stated he isn't counting anyone out. He's honest about his struggles at Phoenix, admitting he \"sucks\" at the track, but emphasizes that they need to execute to the best of their abilities every week to maximize their chances.\n\nBell acknowledges the huge difference between first and second in the standings, noting that the 20-point gap between Larson and Hamlin is significant. Both drivers agree that winning is crucial and they must limit their bad days to stay in contention. However, Larson struggles at Phoenix, which could impact his chances. If someone else takes the championship away from Larson, it will start with the next two races, where Larson has historically struggled.",
  "summary": "Realistically, the NASCAR Cup Series Chase for the Championship is down to these three, and it’s going to take a generational run for anyone else to even have a marginal opportunity. Kyle LarsonDenny Hamlin -49Christopher Bell -51 To wit, NASCAR placed all three presumptive championship finalists on a media stage on Saturday at Phoenix Raceway to discuss what the final four races looks ... Keep…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Catching Larson in the NASCAR Chase has to start at track where 'I suck'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/catching-larson-in-the-nascar-chase-has-to-start-at-track-where-i-suck",
        "published": "2026-10-17T20:55:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Motorsport.com",
        "title": "NASCAR Cup Phoenix starting lineup: Ryan Blaney on pole, Kyle Larson struggles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/nascar-cup-phoenix-starting-lineup-ryan-blaney-on-pole-kyle-larson",
        "published": "2026-10-17T22:44:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}