Kyle Larson failed to eliminate anybody with disastrous Phoenix race

Eight drivers could have been eliminated from NASCAR Cup Series title contention at Phoenix Raceway. Zero were.

By Asher Fair · Beyond the Flag

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Kyle Larson failed to eliminate any of eight potential drivers from championship contention at Phoenix Raceway.
Larson finished 34th after suffering a flat tire and hitting the wall in his No. 5 Chevrolet.
Every other playoff driver scored at least 15 points, while Larson managed just three points.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Kyle Larson failed to eliminate any of the eight eligible NASCAR Cup Series playoff contenders at Phoenix Raceway following a disastrous performance. Larson suffered a flat tire and hit the wall, finishing 34th with a DNF in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. The result ended a strong postseason run where he had earned four top-two finishes across the first six races.

Larson earned only three points in the Freeway Insurance 500 and was outscored by every other playoff driver. Consequently, all 16 championship contenders remain mathematically eligible heading into the upcoming race at Talladega Superspeedway.

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Kyle Larson failed to eliminate anybody with disastrous Phoenix race

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