Denny Hamlin earns No. 1 seed for 2026 Chase in NASCAR Cup Series

Denny Hamlin will enter the Chase as the driver to beat in the NASCAR Cup Series. On Sunday afternoon, Hamlin clinched the No. 1 seed for the Chase during the 2026 Cup Series season. With an over 70-point lead entering Daytona International Speedway, no one can pass Hamlin in the points standings.NASCAR won't reward a regular-season championship, so Hamlin won't receive the honor or a trophy for his accomplishment. Instead, Hamlin and the No. 11 team for Joe Gibbs Racing will enter the Chase wit