NASCAR, F1 and MotoGP Race Wrap-ups

Larson Wins Talladega Cup Race, Antonelli Dominates USGP at COTA, and Marquez Takes Last MotoGP Sprint at Phillips Island

NASCAR

Kyle Larson (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) surged from 11th on the final overtime lap of Sunday’s YellaWood 500, passing seven cars in the final quarter-mile and edging William Byron (No. 24 Hendrick Chevrolet) by 0.041 seconds. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet) and Ross Chastain (No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet) crossed the line immediately behind them, and it was points-leader Larson’s first superspeedway victory in 59 drafting-track starts.

Talladega’s volatility as a drafting track devasted Larson's championship opposition, as an early 12-car 'big one' eliminated Ryan Blaney (No. 12 Team Penske Ford), while a later 15-car crash flipped Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford) onto his roof; Logano climbed out uninjured. Christopher Bell (No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) spun entering pit road, received a crew penalty during repairs and finished 35th. Polesitter Chase Briscoe (No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) was collected in the late accident and finished 33rd. Larson now leads Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) by 73 points with only Martinsville and Homestead remaining.

Next: Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Oct. 31-Nov 1

Official NASCAR recap NASCAR

Formula 1

Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) completely dominated the F1 Austin USGP, using a one-stop strategy to earn his ninth victory of 2026 by 13.078 seconds. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) passed Max Verstappen (Red Bull) late for second; Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) finished fourth and Lando Norris (McLaren) fifth. Antonelli could have clinched the championship, but George Russell (Mercedes) finished eighth — one position better than Antonelli needed.

Three drivers retired, including Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac), whose stoppage caused a late virtual safety car. Antonelli remains an overwhelming favorite and gets another opportunity to secure the title next weekend in Mexico City.

Next:  Grand Prix of Mexico at  Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Oct 31-Nov 1 

Official Formula 1 report

MotoGP

Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo/Ducati) won Saturday’s Sprint race over Álex Márquez (BK8 Gresini/Ducati) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Ducati). Jorge Martín (Aprilia Racing/Aprilia) crashed from second, sustained an arm injury and surrendered the championship lead. His participation next weekend remains a developing situation pending medical evaluation. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Aprilia) initially finished sixth but dropped outside the points after a tire-pressure penalty.

Sunday’s Grand Prix was canceled because poor visibility prevented the medical helicopter from operating safely; no replacement race was held, an ignoble end to MotoGP racing at Phillip Island (1989-1990, 1997-2026). Aussie superstar Wayne Gardner won the first two races, Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner dominated the circuit with legendary multi-year win streaks, while Marc Márquez has also achieved multiple premier-class victories at the high-speed, coastal venue renowned for thrilling, wheel-to-wheel racing and unpredictable weather. 

Next: Petronis Grand Prix Malaysia at Sepang, Oct 30-Nov 1 

Official Sprint report

Cancellation coverage motogp.com