Larson leads NASCAR playoffs heading to Phoenix with Briscoe surging

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 00:32 · Archive

Kyle Larson holds a 49-point lead over Denny Hamlin with four races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series championship race.

Kyle Larson leads the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs by 49 points over regular-season champion Denny Hamlin as the field heads to Phoenix Raceway on Sunday with four races remaining. Larson is seeking his third championship overall. His average finish of 2.83 across the first six postseason races is the best pace since the Chase format was introduced in 2004, and he has recorded two postseason victories and two second-place finishes.

Chase Briscoe has surged into contention for the title with back-to-back wins. Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell are also still in the championship hunt. Despite his strong overall record at Phoenix, where he won in 2021 and has 12 top-five finishes over 24 starts, Larson finished third in the spring race and approaches the track with caution. He qualified poorly on Saturday and will start 22nd, while Ryan Blaney won the pole and Joey Logano claimed the second spot for Team Penske.

How it is being reported

• Briscoe has momentum, but Larson holds commanding lead in NASCAR playoffs entering Phoenix raceChase Briscoe's back-to-back wins have put him in the mix for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.Clickorlando · 17 Oct, 21:29
• Briscoe has momentum, but Larson holds commanding lead in NASCAR playoffs entering Phoenix raceChase Briscoe's back-to-back wins have put him in the mix for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.News4Jax · 17 Oct, 21:29

In this story: Kyle Larson · Chase Briscoe · Denny Hamlin · Christopher Bell · Phoenix Raceway · Ryan Blaney · Joey Logano · Team Penske

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