NASCAR Fans Gear Up for 2026 Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race is set to thrill fans on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, with Kyle Larson leading the pack.
The excitement builds as NASCAR enthusiasts prepare for the 2026 Cup Series Championship Race, scheduled to take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET at the iconic Homestead-Miami Speedway 12. This pivotal event promises to showcase some of the sport’s most thrilling moments, with Kyle Larson currently holding the lead in the championship standings 1.
Larson’s dominance is evident, having secured three playoff victories thus far, giving him a significant edge over his competitors 1. With a 67-point advantage over second-place driver Christopher Bell, Larson stands as the favorite, boasting odds of +410 1. However, the road to victory isn’t without its twists, as Mike McClure’s predictive model suggests that despite these favorable odds, Larson may finish outside the top 5 1.
The championship race features a star-studded lineup, with notable drivers like Denny Hamlin, who trails Larson by 70 points, also vying for the top spot 1. Other contenders include William Byron, who recently claimed victory at Martinsville, and Chase Briscoe, who has two playoff victories under his belt 1. Additionally, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, and Joey Logano each bring one playoff win to the table, adding to the competitive mix 1.
McClure’s model, which simulates every lap 10,000 times, has proven remarkably accurate, correctly predicting 34 winners since 2021 and 16 since 2025 1. This model not only favors Larson but also highlights Ty Gibbs as a potential dark horse, with odds of +1700 1. Gibbs has shown impressive form, matching his total top-5 finishes from the past two seasons combined 1.
JGR, the team behind Gibbs, boasts a strong track record at Homestead-Miami Speedway, holding nine wins there, more than all other active teams combined 1. This historical success adds another layer of intrigue to the championship race, making it a must-watch event for NASCAR fans.
In a surprising turn of events, Carson Hocevar was recently suspended by Spire Motorsports and replaced by Justin Haley for the final race due to misconduct during the Martinsville Speedway event 2. This change could potentially impact the dynamics of the championship race, though its exact influence remains to be seen.
What We Know
- - The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET 12
- - The race will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway 12
- - Kyle Larson leads the championship standings with three playoff victories 1
- - Larson has a 67-point advantage over Christopher Bell 1
- - Denny Hamlin is 70 points behind Larson in the championship standings 1
- - McClure's model predicts Larson to finish outside the top 5 despite being the favorite 1
- - William Byron won the previous race at Martinsville 1
- - Chase Briscoe has two playoff victories 1
- - Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Joey Logano each have one playoff victory 1
- - JGR holds nine wins at Homestead, more than all other active teams combined 1
- - McClure's model supports two additional longshots with odds of at least +2000 1
- - Carson Hocevar was suspended by Spire Motorsports and replaced by Justin Haley for the final race 2
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 71%, weighted across 19 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race will take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. (83%)
- likely The race will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (83%)
- likely Kyle Larson has three playoff victories leading into the Miami race. (70%)
- likely Larson leads the championship standings with a 67-point advantage over Bell. (70%)
- likely Denny Hamlin is 70 points behind Larson in the championship standings. (70%)
- likely Larson is the favorite with odds of +410. (70%)
- likely McClure's model projects Larson to finish outside the top 5 despite being the favorite. (70%)
- likely William Byron won the previous race at Martinsville. (70%)
- likely Chase Briscoe has two playoff victories. (70%)
- likely Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Joey Logano each have one playoff victory. (70%)
- likely Hamlin, Bell, Blaney, and Reddick are among the top five favorites. (70%)
- likely Byron is priced at +1100 as one of seven drivers with odds shorter than +1200. (70%)
- likely Mike McClure's model predicts NASCAR outcomes by simulating every lap 10,000 times. (70%)
- likely McClure's model has correctly predicted 34 winners since 2021 and 16 since 2025. (70%)
- likely Ty Gibbs is favored by McClure's model at +1700 odds. (70%)
- likely Gibbs has three top-5 finishes this season, matching his total from the past two seasons combined. (70%)
- likely JGR holds nine wins at Homestead, more than all other active teams combined. (70%)
- likely McClure's model supports two additional longshots with odds of at least +2000. (70%)
- likely Carson Hocevar was suspended by Spire Motorsports and replaced by Justin Haley for the final race due to misconduct during the Martinsville Speedway event. (68%)
Sources
- CBS Sports — 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race predictions, odds, time: NASCAR at Miami picks from proven model
https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/2026-nascar-cup-series-championship-race-predictions-odds-time-miami-picks/ - TVLine — How To Watch The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship
https://www.tvline.com/2309271/how-watch-2026-nascar-cup-series-championship/