2026 NASCAR Cup Series Drivers’ Championship Odds: Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin Share Early Nod

Capping NASCAR’s Champions Week, Kyle Larson asked if he could adopt a new nickname. 

Speaking during Tuesday night’s black-tie gala in Scottsdale Ariz., Larson accepted the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series drivers’ championship trophy and hinted that his old moniker “Yung Money” should be retired. After all, the two-time drivers’ titleholder is 33 years old, a husband and father of three children.  

“Even as a middle-aged talent myself, I think we should change my nickname from ‘Yung Money’ to ‘Middle-aged Money these days,” he said, as reported by The Daily Express. “(Thirty-three years old) is getting kind of old, these Sunday nights are tough,” 

Larson, who also claimed the 2021 circuit crown, outlasted veteran Denny Hamlin, a future Hall of Famer still seeking his first driver’s title, during last Sunday’s Championship 4 race by placing P3. Hamlin, the sentimental favorite with his father gravely ill, led 208 laps and paced the field with three laps to go when a caution forced overtime, setting the stage for Larson to rally. 

“I’ve got to give a special shoutout to Denny Hamlin,” Larson said. 

Hamlin, 44, has not ruled out retiring this offseason. 

If he does return, bwin.com listed him and Larson as sports-betting favorites (+500) to capture the 2026 pennant.  

Kyle Larson gave a shoutout to his competitor and friend Denny Hamlin in his championship speech. pic.twitter.com/kTrRPKX8ZC

— Motorsport (@Motorsport) November 5, 2025

2026 NASCAR Cup Series Drivers’ Championship Odds  

Here is an early look at the drivers’ odds for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series drivers’ championship, according to bwin.com:

*-Odds current at time of publication