Chase leader Kyle Larson has easier path to 3rd NASCAR championship after surviving Talladega chaos

Kyle Larson’s position atop the NASCAR Cup Series Chase got easier after he survived chaos at Talladega Superspeedway, securing his first win there at the 2.66-mile oval in 24 starts. His team had to direct him to Victory Lane, a detail crew chief Cliff Daniels recalled after Larson gained 10 spots on the final lap. The result boosted Larson’s Chase lead to 73 points over Denny Hamlin. A strong run at Martinsville Speedway could let Larson clinch the title before the season finale. Hendrick Motorsports leads NASCAR at Martinsville with 31 wins, and Larson has eight straight top-10s at the 0.526-mile track. Homestead-Miami, where the season ends Nov. 8, also fits well, with Larson having two wins there.