The NASCAR Cup Series Chase is officially underway, and the opening race at Darlington Raceway immediately changed the championship picture.
After a wild Southern 500, Denny Hamlin remains atop the standings, but Christopher Bell’s victory moved him from sixth to second and put him right in the middle of the championship fight. With nine races remaining, the battle for the 2026 Cup Series championship is already heating up.
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Hamlin Holds the Lead
Despite a difficult night at Darlington, Denny Hamlin managed to keep the championship lead.
Hamlin finished 18th after dealing with several issues during the race, including contact that sent him into the outside wall. He now...
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