Skip to content
Search or ask
F1

William Byron wins Martinsville, Larson closes in on NASCAR title

Byron led 362 of 500 laps in the Xfinity 500, his first win of the 2026 season; the championship finale is at Homestead.

By idly intel

1 min read

AI-assisted
Written by idly intel with AI help from several outlets' reporting, and checked before it goes live. How idly works
Image: Road & Track

Key facts

Story
  • William Byron won the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, his first win of 2026.
  • Byron led 362 of the 500 laps.
  • Teammate Kyle Larson is in a strong position for the championship, with one race left at Homestead.

William Byron won Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, his first victory of the 2026 season. His Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson is now in a strong position to win the championship.

Byron led 362 of the race's 500 laps, a dominant run that ended his winless season. The race was the penultimate event of the year, with one race still to go.

A title fight goes to Homestead

Larson's position leaves him in prime contention for back-to-back titles. Byron's win keeps the championship battle open heading into the final race at Homestead, where the title will be decided.

The result also reflects the strength of Hendrick Motorsports, which had two drivers at the front of the field. Byron's victory came on a track known for close, physical racing, and he was able to build a large lead across most of the event.

Neither source gives a full breakdown of the final standings or the points gap between Larson and the other contenders. The next race will decide the 2026 Cup Series champion.

Worth your time?

One tap helps idly bring you more of what matters.

Sources: Racer, Road & Track

Advertisement