Kyle Larson Clinches 3rd NASCAR Cup Title 45 Minutes Into Miami Finale
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 9
Kyle Larson Clinches 3rd NASCAR Cup Title 45 Minutes Into Miami Finale
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 9
Summary
Larson locked up the 2026 Cup championship with a fourth-place stage finish at Homestead, securing his third title before the season finale had fully developed.
The title was effectively decided before the green flag under NASCAR's revived old Chase format, and Larson himself called the early clinch "anticlimactic."
That flat finish sharpened concerns about fan appeal against NFL competition after Martinsville drew just 1.9 million viewers, the lowest-rated Cup race ever on broadcast TV.
NASCAR president Steve O'Donnell said ratings were mixed but cited stronger attendance and engagement, with total track attendance up 5%, kids attendance up 12% and social impressions up 34%.
The offseason now turns to whether NASCAR tweaks its playoff structure again, with 104 days until Daytona and pressure to restore drama to its championship race.