NASCAR Cup Points Lead Changes Hands For The First Time in 2026

The NASCAR Cup Series points lead changed hands for the first time in 2026. GettyThere is a new points leader in the NASCAR Cup Series points for the first time in the 2026 season. Through 17 races, Tyler Reddick was in command and led by as many as 129 points. However, after a last-place finish of 36th in Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Sonoma Raceway, there is a new driver atop the standings. Denny Hamlin, who co-owns Reddick’s car at 23XI Racing, is the new points leader