NASCAR Cup Standings Shift After Phoenix II Race

The NASCAR Cup standings have experienced a significant shift following the Phoenix II race, with only three races remaining in the 2026 season. Kyle Larson, the championship leader, faced a setback after a cut tire led to his wreck, resulting in a 34th place finish and just three points scored.

Christopher Bell has moved into second place, trailing Larson by only 5 points, while Chase Briscoe sits in third, 24 points behind. Denny Hamlin, who encountered a flat tire and a speeding penalty during the race, dropped to fourth but reduced his deficit from 49 points to 31 points behind Larson.

Tyler Reddick secured victory in the race and is now within 56 points of the championship lead. Notably, Chase Elliott made a significant leap to tenth place after finishing third, while Hamlin fell from second to fourth. In the battle for 17th, Shane van Gisbergen leads Brad Keselowski by 46 points and Ross Chastain by 56 points.