Kyle Larson championship Martinsville hopes remained intact after a tense NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville, with the Hendrick Motorsports driver narrowly outscoring Christopher Bell to secure a place in the final four. Larson’s advancement was threatened by a series of incidents involving his Chevy teammate, Carson Hocevar, but he managed to pull ahead in the points and keep his title dreams alive for the upcoming finale at Phoenix.
Larson Battles Bell for Coveted Title Spot Amid Turbulent Race
Kyle Larson entered the Martinsville race focused on beating Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing, knowing only a narrow margin separated them from a championship berth. The contest turned intense as Carson Hocevar, Larson’s fellow Chevy driver, triggered two separate incidents leading to cautions. During one such incident, Larson’s No. 5 car narrowly missed collision with Hocevar’s spun No. 77, allowing Bell to close the gap in the standings. Despite these tense moments, Larson was able to gain an eight-point advantage over Bell by race’s end, securing his spot in the Championship 4.
You know, a couple of times I just wanted it to stay green. Then, you know, the 77 [Carson Hocevar] was in like, every caution tonight.
Kyle Larson, Driver
The frequency of cautions kept the race unpredictable and increased the pressure on all contenders. Larson had to continually fight for track position, especially on restarts, in order to prevent random incidents from jeopardizing his championship run. His efforts to stay ahead became critical as each accidental pause gave other drivers, especially Bell, an opportunity to close the points gap.
At the end of the day, seven points made the difference.@KyleLarsonRacin heads to @phoenixraceway with a chance at a second title. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/JmF91xlEMs— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 26, 2025
NASCAR, Official Account
Larson later discussed the difficulty of managing restarts, a phase of the race notorious for unpredictable aggression as drivers scramble for position. He emphasized his relief at maintaining a solid position on the track, which kept him out of much of the chaos sparked by others—including his own teammate. Had he lost that advantage, the impact of Hocevar’s incidents might have proven disastrous for his title pursuit.
I just, restarts, I felt good about my car on restarts, but you just never know how the aggression is going to pick up, and everybody’s ‘give a s**t’ factor goes out the window there. So, um, but we had good enough track position all day. We were kinda out of the, you know, mess, I guess. Yeah, that was good.
Kyle Larson, Driver
Hendrick Dominates As Penske Stumbles in Decisive Contest
In the aftermath of the race, Kyle Larson expressed satisfaction seeing his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron reach victory lane. Larson recognized the importance of HMS’s strong performance at Martinsville, believing it bodes well for the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. The momentum from Byron’s win could give their team an edge at the championship-deciding event.
I was obviously happy to see William [Byron] win, just because we know how strong they are there. We don’t know if they are going to be that strong next week or not, but based on the past, I’d say they’re going to be fast.
Kyle Larson, Driver
Larson also noted his relief that neither of the Team Penske drivers, Joey Logano or Ryan Blaney, won the race. Given both racers’ successful histories at this track, their presence in the final four would have shifted the balance and likely cemented one as the favorite. Now, Larson considers the championship field to be open, where any of the contenders could take the title at Phoenix.
I really couldn’t tell you who would be the favorite now. If Blaney had won, we all would say he is the favorite. So, yeah, we will see.
Kyle Larson, Driver
Looking ahead, Larson is buoyed by his current rhythm and the competitive pace of his car. The looming battle at Phoenix Raceway will see Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing face off once again, with the championship hanging in the balance. For now, Larson’s strong finish at Martinsville, combined with his composure amid chaos, keeps his hopes alive for a second NASCAR Cup Series crown.
At the end of the day, seven points made the difference.@KyleLarsonRacin heads to @phoenixraceway with a chance at a second title. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/JmF91xlEMs
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 26, 2025
