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Runner-up Larson leaves Bristol with Cup Series points lead

Larson moved one point ahead of Denny Hamlin after a late drag race for second and his third top-five in the Chase.

  • Kyle Larson took the Cup Series points lead after finishing second at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, marking his first time atop the standings since winning the 2025 championship.
  • Starting on pole at World Wide Technology Raceway, the Californian led twice for a combined 45 laps before struggling with tire strategy that saw him fade into the pack during the middle stages.
  • Late-Race collisions between frontrunners Gibbs and Carson Hocevar created an opening; Larson drag-raced the 23-year-old Hocevar to the finish line, securing second place by inches in a final-lap dash.
  • That narrow finish gave Larson a one-point advantage over Denny Hamlin, placing him atop the standings. His three top-fives through the Chase have bolstered his championship positioning significantly.
  • Maintaining consistency remains critical throughout the Chase, as Larson identified Kansas, Vegas, and Charlotte as pivotal tracks where Toyotas may excel, requiring his team to stay adaptable for variable conditions.
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RACER broke the news on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
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