Chase Briscoe Endorses Kyle Larson for NASCAR Title

As the NASCAR season nears its end, fellow driver Chase Briscoe identifies Kyle Larson as the clear favorite to win the championship.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Motorsports

Chase Briscoe Endorses Kyle Larson for NASCAR Title

Live Poll

Do you believe postseason success is usually determined more by momentum than by season-long consistency?

Following a strong performance in the recent YellaWood 500, Kyle Larson has emerged as the frontrunner for the NASCAR title. Chase Briscoe, currently fourth in the standings, recently publicly credited the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team for their championship-level execution.

Why it matters

Briscoe's endorsement highlights the dominant strategic advantage the No. 5 team has maintained throughout the 10-week Chase period. With Larson securing three wins across eight races, his consistency has positioned him as the definitive driver to beat.

Kyle Larson holds a 73-point championship cushion and needs 59 points to clinch the title at the upcoming Martinsville race. He has secured three victories in eight Chase races and finished in the top six in seven of those contests.

The players

Kyle Larson

He is a top NASCAR driver currently leading the championship standings while competing for Hendrick Motorsports.

Chase Briscoe

He is a professional NASCAR driver from Mitchell, Indiana, who currently sits fourth in the championship standings.

Hendrick Motorsports

This is a prominent automotive racing organization that fields the No. 5 car currently driven by Kyle Larson.

The details

Kyle Larson surged from 11th to a 1st place finish at the YellaWood 500 in Talladega, a performance that helped solidify his championship standing. Despite a stage three crash during the same race, Chase Briscoe noted that the consistent offensive strategy employed by the No. 5 crew remains the standard for the field.

October 30, 2026: Chase Briscoe discussed Kyle Larson's performance on SiriusXM Radio.
October 31, 2026: The comments regarding Larson's championship trajectory were published.
November 2026: The final two races of the 2026 Chase season will take place.

Season Trajectory

This endorsement underscores the competitive gap between the leader and the rest of the field during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase. The performance of the No. 5 team has effectively narrowed the championship window, leaving little room for error for the remaining competitors.

Kyle Larson requires exactly 59 points in the final two races to secure the championship title regardless of his opponents' performances. The upcoming race at Martinsville serves as the primary opportunity for Larson to clinch the trophy.

The takeaway

Consistency remains the most important factor in navigating the high-pressure environment of the NASCAR playoffs. Fans should monitor the Martinsville race as the critical juncture where the current points leader has the opportunity to mathematically secure the title.

What happens next

The 2026 NASCAR Chase season will conclude with two remaining races, including the critical event at Martinsville where the championship could be clinched.