It’s all over but the dog and pony show as Kyle Larson nears third Cup

They opened the door one more time but no one walked through it, again…

By Matt Weaver · Yahoo Sports

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 2:27 AM

Key Things to Know

Kyle Larson holds a commanding points lead heading into the season finale to close in on a third Cup title.
Larson, Christopher Bell, and Denny Hamlin are the only three drivers mathematically eligible for the 2026 Cup Series championship.
Following Martinsville, Larson leads Bell by 67 points and Hamlin by 70 points entering the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Kyle Larson placed himself on the verge of securing a third NASCAR Cup Series championship following Sunday's Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Despite finishing ninth after an early pit strategy gamble left him a lap down, Larson expanded his command over the standings heading into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Only three drivers remain mathematically eligible for the 2026 Cup title, with Larson holding a 67-point advantage over Christopher Bell and a 70-point lead over Denny Hamlin. Hamlin admitted his title hopes now require severe misfortune for Larson, stating competitors will simply go through the motions at the finale.

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It’s all over but the dog and pony show as Kyle Larson nears third Cup

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