2026 NASCAR Cup Series Drivers Scramble for Final Chase Spots

With four races left—at Iowa, Richmond, New Hampshire and Daytona—the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series regular season is narrowing toward the Chase cutoff. The new format admits the top 16 drivers by points, eliminating the previous win‑and‑you‑re‑in rule. Denny Hamlin leads the standings, while drivers such as Carson Hocevar and Daniel Suarez have already secured comfortable positions inside the top 16.

Erik Jones of Legacy Motor Club sits 18th, 44 points behind the cutline, and must post strong finishes to re‑enter the Chase. Other contenders outside the cutoff include Michael McDowell (20th, 76 points back) and Brad Keselowski (19th, 50 points back). Their chances hinge on the remaining events and any missteps by drivers ahead of them. The battle for the final spots remains a major storyline as the season heads into its decisive stretch.