Chase field set as NASCAR heads to Darlington – Speedway Digest

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The field is set for NASCAR’s 2026 Chase for the Cup Series championship.

Ryan Preece’s dramatic Daytona victory secured the final playoff berth and completed the 16-driver championship lineup. The 10-race Chase begins next Sunday at Darlington Raceway with the Southern 500.

2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase Field

Denny HamlinRyan BlaneyTyler ReddickTy GibbsChase BriscoeChristopher BellKyle LarsonChase ElliottJoey LoganoChris BuescherDaniel SuarezCarson HocevarWilliam ByronBubba WallaceAustin CindricRyan Preece

Hamlin enters as the regular-season champion after building an 89-point advantage over Blaney during the first 26 races. Preece enters as the final seed but carries momentum after the biggest victory of his career.