Joey Logano captured his second victory of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, edging out Chase Briscoe in a nail‑biting finish that kept his championship hopes firmly in the spotlight.
The New Chase Format
The series has abandoned traditional playoffs in favor of a ten‑race ‘Chase’ that begins after 26 regular‑season events. The top sixteen drivers qualify and battle through a condensed schedule that will culminate at Darlington Raceway on September 6.
Only two races remain before the Chase kicks off: the upcoming event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the season‑ending showdown at Daytona International Speedway. Both contests will determine the final composition of the playoff field and add crucial points to the standings.
A Season of Surprises
Through twenty‑four races, eleven different drivers have tasted victory, including Logano, Briscoe, Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Ty Gibbs, Shane van Gisbergen and others. The diversity of winners reflects a highly competitive field, while part‑time entrant Corey Heim remains ineligible for the Chase.
The upcoming ten‑race Chase will take drivers to iconic venues such as Gateway, Bristol, Kansas, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix, Talladega, Martinsville and Homestead‑Miami, each offering its own strategic challenges as the title is decided.
Logano’s performance at Richmond not only adds another win to his tally but also reinforces his position among the top sixteen, positioning him as a strong contender for the eventual champion who will be crowned after the final ten races.