Larson's Cup Series points lead shrinks and Verstappen seeks three-peat in F1

Updated Oct. 20, 2026 2:37 p.m. ET

Associated Press

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

The Chase

YellaWood 500

Site: Talladega, Alabama.

Track: Talladega Superspeedway.

Race distance: 188 laps, 500.08 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, qualifying, 1 p.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (NBC).

Last year: Chase Briscoe secured a berth in the Championship 4 with a last-lap pass in overtime, delivering a dramatic victory for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Last race: Tyler Reddick passed Chase Briscoe with 17 laps remaining for his sixth victory of the season, strengthening his championship hopes with three races left in the playoffs.

Next race: November 1, Ridgeway, Virginia.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR O'REILLY AUTO PARTS SERIES

The Chase

The Progress Group 250

Site: Talladega, Alabama.

Track: Talladega Superspeedway.

Race distance: 94 laps, 250.04 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, qualifying, 11 a.m., race, 3:30 p.m. (CW).

Last year: Austin Hill dominated from start to finish, sweeping both stages and pacing the field for 48 of 100 laps to collect his fourth victory of the season.

Last race: Jesse Love backed up his pole-winning run with a victory, keeping Sam Mayer behind him through the final turn despite a late push for the lead.

Next race: October 31, Ridgeway, Virginia.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

The Chase

Love’s RV Stop 225

Site: Talladega, Alabama.

Track: Talladega Superspeedway.

Race distance: 85 laps, 226.1 miles.

Schedule: Friday, qualifying, 12:30 p.m., race, 4 p.m. (FS1).

Last year: Gio Ruggiero earned his first career victory in a two-lap overtime finish, edging Corey Heim by 0.059 seconds after leading a race-high 37 laps.

Last race: Kaden Honeycutt took control following a late restart and led a race-high 53 laps, pulling away from Christian Eckes to secure victory by 1.556 seconds.

Next race: October 30, Ridgeway, Virginia.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA 1

MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix 2026

Site: Austin, Texas.

Track: The Circuit of the Americas.

Race distance: 56 laps, 191.6 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 1:30 p.m., practice, 5 p.m.; Saturday, practice, 1:30 p.m., qualifying, 5 p.m.; Sunday, race, 4 p.m. (APPLE TV).

Last year: Max Verstappen converted pole position into a commanding victory, leading from start to finish to claim his fourth career win at the event.

Last race: Earning his second consecutive win, Max Verstappen dominated the Singapore Grand Prix while leading from start to finish to claim his first victory at Marina Bay.

Next race: November 1, Mexico City.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

NTT INDYCAR SERIES

Last race: Scott McLaughlin won the season finale while Alex Palou secured the championship, tying the series record with his fourth consecutive title.

Next race: Season has concluded.

Online: http://www.indycar.com