Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin have officially secured their spots in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs after the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway. The performance of both drivers throughout the season has been consistently strong, making their qualification a foregone conclusion for many observers.
Playoff Berths Locked In
Reddick, who drives the No. 45 for 23XI Racing, joins Hamlin, a veteran of Joe Gibbs Racing, as the latest drivers to lock a playoff ticket. Hamlin, who boasts one of the longest active postseason streaks in the Cup Series, now sits atop the standings with 791 points, 24 points clear of Reddick.
The top five is rounded out by Ryan Blaney, Ty Gibbs and Chase Elliott, each eyeing a final push before the regular‑season finale at Daytona International Speedway. Their presence underscores the depth of competition as the season progresses.
Six Races Remain
With six races left in the regular season, the battle for the regular‑season championship remains fierce. The Daytona finale will not only crown the regular‑season champion but also award valuable bonus points that could shift the playoff picture.
Playoff Implications
While the playoff field is already set for Reddick and Hamlin, the remaining spots will be decided in the coming weeks. Teams will jockey for positioning, as bonus points earned at Daytona could influence seeding and match‑ups when the playoffs begin.