The NASCAR Cup Series wrapped up its regular season on August 29, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway, where Ryan Preece claimed the checkered flag and secured a berth in the upcoming playoff bracket.
Points after the race reshuffled the championship picture, with veteran Denny Hamlin sitting atop the standings at 2,100 points, while Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick trailed closely with 2,075 and 2,065 points respectively.
The Chase kicks off at Darlington
The playoff field will convene this weekend at Darlington Raceway, where the 16 drivers will battle for revised points that reflect their regular‑season finishes.
Ryan Preece, despite his Daytona victory, saw his playoff hopes evaporate at Darlington, finishing outside the cutoff and exiting the postseason with 2,000 points.
A handful of competitors entered the event with negative point balances, including Shane van Gisbergen, Brad Keselowski, Ross Chastain and Michael McDowell, underscoring the volatility of the new format.
The revised points system promises tighter competition as the playoffs unfold, with teams already adjusting strategies for the unique challenges of each track.