Denny Hamlin claimed the top spot in the 2026 NASCAR Cup points standings after the Sonoma race, ending Tyler Reddick’s early‑season dominance. The shift came as Reddick suffered a power‑steering malfunction that forced a low‑finishing result, allowing Hamlin to leapfrog him in the championship tally.
Reddick had opened the year with three straight victories and maintained the lead through the first 17 rounds, at one stage enjoying a 129‑point cushion. However, his form collapsed in recent weeks, with three of his last four finishes outside the top 20, culminating in the Sonoma setback that stripped him of the lead.
Hamlin’s ascent puts him at the forefront of the title chase, while Reddick faces a steep climb to recover lost ground. The next few events will be pivotal for both drivers as they vie for the championship, with the points gap now narrow enough for a dramatic battle to unfold.
