With only three races remaining in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, the battle for the championship is heating up. Kyle Larson currently leads the standings, but several talented drivers are close enough to challenge him before the season ends. Christopher Bell and Joey Logano have shown the speed and consistency needed to compete for a title. However, the pressure will only increase as the remaining races approach, and one mistake could completely change the championship picture.
Every position, pit stop, and stage point could prove crucial in determining the eventual champion. With so little separating the leading contenders, NASCAR fans could be in for an exciting finish. Here are three drivers who could challenge for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship.
NASCAR Championship Contenders: The Three Drivers to Watch
1. Kyle Larson
Larson remains one of the top racers this playoff run. He had a brutal run at Phoenix and finished 34th, but he still has a small lead in the standings. Hendrick Motorsports has established many talented racers like Larson and many more.
Larson is capable of winning on many tracks, but Talladega Superspeedway is probably one of the most difficult tracks for racers. Larson must avoid danger when it’s near, but it will take luck at a track like Talladega. I think Larson definitely has a chance to go back-to-back championships if he can survive the “Big One.”
Larson needs to focus on maximizing points in the next two races. One crash could ruin his whole championship run and end it for him. He definitely needs to focus on the next couple of races and treat it like it’s the championship. As we all know, Larson has a realistic chance of finishing the season with another championship as long as he avoids trouble like he had in Phoenix.
2. Joey Logano
Logano deserves a place in the top three because of his experience and his ability to maximize points when absolutely needed. Logano does not get as much respect as he deserves, and he definitely deserves more.
Logano is a three-time champion with Team Penske, which makes him a top driver to watch, and his championship pedigree proves that he is a very competitive racer when the pressure is on. Logano understands how to drive on difficult tracks; that is one of his best abilities. If Logano does not do well in these next couple of races, that could end his playoff run and ruin his dream of being a four-time champion.
Logano has been a little quiet since his win at Bristol, but he has had success on all three tracks that are remaining on the schedule. If Logano finds the speed that he has shown at several key races this season, he can most certainly be a top driver to watch in the remaining races.
3. Christopher Bell
Bell could be one of the most challenging drivers for Larson to deal with for the remainder of The Chase. We all know Bell can win big races. Bell’s ability to collect points and his ability to beat drivers like Larson will definitely help in the remainder of The Chase.
Bell needs to use his talent and his speed that his Joe Gibbs Racing team gives him, and he can definitely become a big threat at Talladega Superspeedway. For Bell to win the championship, he will need to capitalize on every opportunity he gets. If he performs well at Talladega, he can definitely put himself on top of the list for the title.
Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
