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Phoenix Raceway still has shortcomings, but the 2026 fall race delivered a dramatic championship shakeup that could define NASCAR's new Chase format.

Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney made major championship gains at Phoenix, while Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin suffered costly tire failures.

Tire failures for Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin dramatically changed the NASCAR Chase at Phoenix, highlighting the difficult balance between aggressive setups and durability.

Tyler Reddick won his sixth race of 2026 at Phoenix, while Kyle Larson's tire failure reduced his NASCAR Chase lead to just five points over Christopher Bell.

Chase Briscoe has won back-to-back NASCAR Chase races and reduced his championship deficit by 58 points, raising comparisons to Tony Stewart's legendary 2011 title run.

Chase Briscoe continued his championship comeback at Charlotte while Kyle Larson extended his lead and several Chase contenders suffered costly setbacks.

Chase Briscoe's pit crew delivered the decisive stop at Charlotte, helping him beat Christopher Bell and potentially changing the NASCAR championship picture.

Chase Briscoe wins his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series race, beating Christopher Bell by 0.029 seconds in a thrilling Charlotte photo finish.

Chase Briscoe scored 75 points at Las Vegas and cut 39 points from his championship deficit with five races remaining in The Chase.

Chase Briscoe made a massive championship gain at Las Vegas while Kyle Larson strengthened his lead and Denny Hamlin missed a major opportunity.

Chase Briscoe swept both stages and led 175 laps at Las Vegas before surviving a late charge from championship leader Kyle Larson.

Kyle Larson dominated the front at Kansas, but drivers including Briscoe, Blaney and Cindric made major gains deeper in the field that were easy to miss.

Kyle Larson entered The Chase seventh and has climbed to a 26-point championship lead with two wins and four consecutive top-five finishes.

Kyle Larson scored a perfect 76 points at Kansas while Austin Cindric surged to second and several NASCAR Chase contenders lost major championship ground.

NASCAR's new Chase format is rewarding complete postseason runs while keeping the huge points swings and pressure that made the playoffs exciting.

Kyle Larson led 235 of 267 laps, swept both stages and scored the maximum 76 points at Kansas to extend his NASCAR Chase lead.

Joey Logano and Kyle Larson made huge championship gains at Bristol while Ryan Blaney’s late crash turned a dominant night into a major Chase setback.

Joey Logano entered Bristol 51 points behind the Chase lead and left only 16 back after his third victory of 2026.

Joey Logano charged from fourth to first late at Bristol to earn his 40th Cup victory before Ryan Blaney and Carson Hocevar traded punches on pit road.

Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports dominated the results while brake failures and crashes hurt several major NASCAR Chase contenders at Gateway.