William Byron secured the NASCAR Cup Series regular season championship, but when the playoff lineup reset, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson captured the overall top seed. The two drivers entered the Round of 16 tied at 2,032 points, but Larson’s greater number of wins gave him the advantage on the official playoff grid.
This season, a recently implemented rule awarding a bonus point to the driver who records the fastest lap in each race played a crucial role in Larson’s top-seed position. Larson earned this fastest lap bonus four times, including at Circuit of the Americas, Kansas Speedway, Mexico City, and Watkins Glen, helping him secure his playoff standing.
How the Fastest Lap Bonus Influenced Standings
Remarkably, Larson claimed the fastest lap bonus in two races where his car had to return to the track after extensive repairs, proving his speed even while laps down. These four extra points proved decisive, with Larson finishing the regular season just three points ahead of teammate Chase Elliott, who did not earn any fastest lap points.
Larson’s four-point boost not only moved him up to third in the standings instead of fourth but also contributed a valuable playoff bonus point, raising his total to 32 points. These bonus points will carry through every round of the playoffs, even after the scores are reset, giving Larson a significant edge.
Impact of the Rule Change on Hendrick Motorsports and the Playoffs
This subtle adjustment in the points system shifted the competitive balance within Hendrick Motorsports. Although Byron earned the regular season title, Larson’s advantage from the fastest lap rule means he will start as the official top seed at Sunday’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. This distinction could influence the championship’s trajectory as every point counts in the postseason.
Larson is not the only driver to benefit from the new fastest lap bonus. Eleven Cup Series drivers earned these points throughout the season. Denny Hamlin leads in fastest lap awards with six, though this did not affect his Daytona standing. Other multiple recipients include Michael McDowell and A.J. Allmendinger with three each, as well as Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and William Byron, who each captured two fastest lap bonuses.
Potential Effects on the Playoff Race Ahead
In a playoff format where increments can determine progress or elimination, Larson’s ability to earn points for fastest laps — even under challenging conditions — could prove crucial. By leveraging this new rule, he may gain the necessary cushion to advance deeper into the playoffs, setting the stage for a strong championship run.
