The Biggest Winners and Losers of the 2026 NASCAR Season
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season delivered plenty of excitement, unexpected results, major victories and disappointing performances. Some drivers proved they belonged among the sport’s best, while others struggled to meet expectations throughout the year. With the NASCAR season now complete, Kyle Larson emerged as champion after an impressive postseason run, while several other drivers had memorable campaigns. However, not everyone had a season to celebrate. You can also read about some of the 2026 NASCAR championship contenders this season.
From drivers who consistently found Victory Lane to those who struggled to compete, there were clear winners and losers. Here are two of the biggest winners and two of the biggest losers from the 2026 NASCAR season.
Biggest Winners of the NASCAR Season
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson was the best driver in racing this season, clinching the championship and tying Joey Logano with three championships. Larson went winless in the regular season, but then did very well in the playoffs that sparked a championship run.
Larson’s ability to perform well under pressure makes him a very valuable racer to Hendrick Motorsports and a very talented racer. Larson has shown the NASCAR world that he is a very talented racer and could soon be one of the best in the world and in history with his recent championship push.
Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick had a great season, with six victories, but sadly could not bring the championship home, and celebrated with his fans and the owner, Michael Jordan. Reddick did not have a great NASCAR season two seasons ago, but he showed that he is still one of the best racers.
Reddick looks to seek revenge and get his first championship. One thing that Reddick did do this season was win the Daytona 500. Reddick has a great future.
Biggest Losers of the NASCAR Season
Shane van Gisbergen
Shane van Gisbergen had some good races this NASCAR season, but not as good as last season. Shane is a very talented racer, but this season was just not good.
Shane was a very good racer on the road tracks; he did very well two seasons ago. The worst thing for him is that he is 37 years old, so he is running out of time to win a title. Shane needs to work on doing better on the tracks; he is very good at road courses, but not really anything else.
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski had a very bad NASCAR season, finishing 29th in the standings this year. We all know he can be a great racer; just ten years ago, he was one of the best. Keselowski did not even win a race this season, which is not a good thing for his job security.
He is 42 years old. Keselowski said Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway that he has received additional interest from teams since announcing his departure from RFK Racing and expects to decide his future in the coming weeks. “I have to do a little soul searching,” Keselowski said. He definitely has a lot of pressure on him right now, whether he stays or leaves.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
