Five Drivers Chase Title at Homestead
Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Jesse Love, Corey Day and Sheldon Creed enter the season finale separated by just 42 points.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Motorsports
Five drivers enter the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a chance to win the 2026 championship. The championship race is set for Saturday, with the field separated by 42 points entering the event.
Why it matters
A 42-point spread among five contenders means the title is still open heading into the final race of the season. The outcome will determine the series champion for 2026 and shape the standings for the season's closing weekend.
The five title contenders are separated by 42 points entering the finale at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway. Allgaier last won at Homestead nearly 600 days ago, and the final standings will depend on Saturday's results.
The players
Carson Kvapil
Kvapil is a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver who won the Martinsville Speedway race from the pole and is among the five title contenders.
Justin Allgaier
Allgaier is a veteran NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver who is among the five championship contenders and previously won at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Jesse Love
Love is a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver who is among the five drivers still in contention for the 2026 championship.
Corey Day
Day is a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver who is among the five drivers still in contention for the 2026 championship.
Sheldon Creed
Creed is a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver who is among the five drivers still in contention for the 2026 championship.
The details
Carson Kvapil started from the pole and won at Martinsville Speedway, holding off Justin Allgaier in the closing laps. Allgaier's Homestead win came nearly 600 days ago, and he prevailed in a late-race battle that included Kyle Larson and Austin Hill. Qualifying is set for Saturday at noon CT, with Patrick Staropoli listed 18th in the qualifying order.
Timeline
Saturday at noon CT: Qualifying for the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Saturday at 3 p.m. CT: Live coverage begins on KCWE and The CW.
Season Trajectory
The finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway is the decisive stage of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, with five drivers still mathematically alive for the title. A 42-point spread entering the last race leaves the championship open until the checkered flag.
Fantasy and standings followers should track the 42-point gap, since any of the five contenders can clinch the title with a strong finish. Viewers can watch live coverage beginning Saturday at 3 p.m. CT on KCWE and The CW.
The takeaway
The title is still wide open with five drivers within 42 points of each other, so the final race will decide the 2026 champion. Following qualifying and the race itself on Saturday will show how the standings settle.
What happens next
The championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, with qualifying at noon CT and live coverage beginning at 3 p.m. CT on KCWE and The CW.
Further reading
For more on the season's competitive picture, see Motorsports coverage across the national series.
