Byron Wins at Martinsville as Larson Delays Championship Clinch

Byron led 362 of the 500 laps and held off Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott in the closing laps to earn his first win of the season. It was the 17th Cup Series victory of his career and his fourth at Martinsville, extending his streak of seasons with at least one win to seven. Elliott finished second, and Ty Gibbs was third.

Larson, who began the race third, finished ninth after an early pit-strategy gamble left him a lap down and deep in the field. His crew kept him on track when most drivers stopped for tires after 75 laps, hoping for a caution. The stage ended under caution on lap 130, with Larson in 23rd; it took him nearly 100 laps to return to the lead lap.

Larson gave up six points from his championship lead and heads to the finale 67 points ahead of Christopher Bell, who finished 10th. Denny Hamlin, sixth at Martinsville, is 70 points back. Both remain mathematically eligible, while title hopes ended for Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano and Chase Briscoe.

The season concludes November 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is the first time in seven years the Florida track will host the Cup Series finale. Larson won the most recent Cup race there, in March 2025.