Kyle Larson is heading into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series finale with what looks like an almost impossible championship lead to overcome. But if NASCAR history has taught fans anything, it is that the championship is not over until the checkered flag falls.
Larson enters Homestead-Miami Speedway with a 67-point advantage over Christopher Bell and a 70-point lead over Denny Hamlin. He needs just nine points to officially secure his third Cup Series championship, and his incredible postseason has made him the overwhelming favorite.
However, there is one piece of NASCAR history that should keep everyone from celebrating too early.
Back in 1992, Davey Allison entered the season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a 30-point championship lead over Alan Kulwicki. Allison appeared to be in control of the title fight, but everything changed when disaster struck.
On lap 254, Ernie Irvan lost control after suffering a tire problem and collected Allison in the crash. The damage ended Allison’s championship hopes, opening the door for Kulwicki to make history.
Kulwicki went on to finish second, while Bill Elliott won the race. But by leading one more lap than Elliott, Kulwicki earned the crucial bonus points needed to take the championship by just 10 points.
It remains one of the most unforgettable championship finishes in NASCAR history.
Now, more than three decades later, Larson enters the finale with a much larger advantage than Allison had in 1992. The difference is that Larson’s championship is not officially secured yet.
The No. 5 team has been outstanding throughout the Chase, winning three races and building a massive points cushion. Still, one unexpected incident at Homestead could make things interesting in a hurry.
Bell and Hamlin have a steep mountain to climb, but Larson knows better than anyone that anything can happen once the green flag waves.