Kyle Larson Closes in on NASCAR Championship as Hendrick Teammate William Byron Wins at Martinsville
- The 0.526-mile oval of Martinsville Speedway hosts race 9 of 10 in The Chase this weekend, serving as the penultimate event of the 2026 NASCAR season for Cup and Truck Series contenders.
- NASCAR implemented a revised bumper structure in June to make contact more consequential after drivers raised concerns about heavy hits without sufficient damage to slow cars.
- Toyota driver Chase Briscoe warned the new rules could lead to damaged radiators during Sunday's Xfinity 500, recalling a heavy 25G impact during the spring race at Martinsville.
- NBC analyst Steve Letarte explained drivers requested the bumper changes to ensure accountability, stating, "You shouldn't be able to hit someone that hard without doing damage or wrecking the car."
- This weekend's event serves as a critical test for the new bumper package, as Martinsville's tight corners and frequent restarts force heavy contact that leaves less protection against impacts.
49 Articles
49 Articles
William Byron dominates at Martinsville while Kyle Larson is one step closer to back-to-back championships
MARTINSVILLE, Va. — William Byron claimed his first victory of the season in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson put himself into prime championship position with one race to…
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Kyle Larson’s Radio Frustration Reveals Costly Martinsville Miscalculation
Kyle Larson's afternoon at Martinsville Speedway took an unexpected turn well before the first stage of the Cup Series Xfinity 500 ended. The NASCAR Cup Series points leader found himself running a lap behind the competition after Hendrick Motorsports gambled on a strategy that never quite came together. With a championship potentially within reach, it was not where Larson wanted to be with so much at stake.
The Toronto Star
Kyle Larson closes in on NASCAR championship as Hendrick teammate William Byron wins at Martinsville
Martinsville, Va. (AP) — Kyle Larson salvaged a nearly disastrous Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, putting him on the cusp of his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series championship.
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