Kyle Larson Wins Third NASCAR Cup Series Title, Becomes 11th Driver to Reach Milestone

American racing driver Kyle Larson has secured his third NASCAR Cup Series championship after successfully defending his title at the 2026 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver became the first back-to-back champion since Jimmie Johnson achieved the feat in 2010, ending a 16-year wait for consecutive champions in the competition.

Larson also joined an exclusive group of 11 drivers who have won at least three NASCAR Cup Series championships. The list includes seven-time champions Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson, as well as four-time champion Jeff Gordon.

The championship was effectively decided during the opening stage of Sunday’s 400-mile race. Larson entered the season finale with a 67-point advantage over his closest challenger, Christopher Bell, and needed only nine points to guarantee the title.

He collected seven stage points by finishing fourth in the opening segment, alongside the point awarded for starting the race. Bell’s failure to win the stage meant he could no longer catch Larson in the championship standings.

Despite securing the title early, Larson continued racing and eventually finished 12th after damaging his car. His championship victory was built on an impressive postseason campaign in which he recorded three victories and eight top-10 finishes across 10 Chase races.

His journey to another championship was particularly remarkable considering he went through the entire 26-race regular season without a victory and endured a 51-race winless streak before rediscovering his winning form in the playoffs.

Larson previously won the Cup Series championship in 2021 and 2025, making his latest triumph his third title in six years.

While Larson celebrated another championship, Ryan Blaney claimed victory in the season-ending race after overtaking Tyler Reddick with just over a lap remaining. Reddick finished second, while William Byron came third.

The latest achievement also extended Hendrick Motorsports’ record in NASCAR, giving the organisation its 16th Cup Series drivers’ championship.

Larson’s third title further strengthens his position among the sport’s leading drivers, with his ability to compete successfully across different racing disciplines attracting comparisons with some of motorsports’ greatest names.