The list of drivers who have officially secured their place in NASCAR’s 2026 Chase continues to grow.
Ryan Blaney became the third driver to clinch a postseason berth Sunday night following the NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, joining Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin as the only drivers who have mathematically locked themselves into the 16-driver field with six races remaining in the regular season.
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Blaney entered the weekend on the verge of securing his spot. While Joey Logano stole the headlines with a dominant victory, the points shakeup also officially punched Blaney’s ticket to the Chase.
Ryan Blaney Joins Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin
Reddick and Hamlin have been battling one another all season long for the top position in the Cup Series standings. Reddick held the lead spot for the first four months of 2026 until June’s Sonoma race. Ever since, it’s been Hamlin‘s name leading the field.
Now Blaney has added Team Penske to that exclusive group.
Through the first 21-points playing races of 2026, the trio has a total of 11 combined wins.
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Although five races remain before the regular season concludes, Blaney has built enough of a points cushion to guarantee his place in NASCAR’s postseason regardless of what happens over the final stretch.
With Blaney officially in, only 13 Chase positions remain available.
Joey Logano’s Win Changes the Chase Picture
While Blaney secured his postseason spot, teammate Joey Logano delivered one of the biggest momentum swings of the season.
Logano dominated Sunday’s race at North Wilkesboro, leading a career-high 323 laps to earn his first Cup Series victory since May 2025. The performance vaulted him from outside the provisional Chase field back into the top 16, moving him to 15th in the standings.
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The victory dramatically strengthened Logano’s postseason hopes, while Erik Jones dropped below the Chase cut line following the race.
With Indianapolis Motor Speedway next on the schedule and only six races left before the postseason begins, every point around the Chase bubble will become increasingly important.
