What happened
On the final lap at Talladega Superspeedway, Kaden Honeycutt pushed Ty Majeski ahead of Sammy Smith exiting the backstretch, then moved beneath Majeski's left side to attempt a pass. The lower drafting line was separating, and Honeycutt lost momentum before finishing 5th.
The No. 11 TRICON Garage driver misjudged the lower line's organization during the October 23, 2026, Love's RV Stop 225. Honeycutt said he had expected the bottom lane to be better formed and recognized the separation after looking back. He told NASCAR.com: “I made the move too quick.”
Honeycutt said Majeski's side-draft pulled him back as the finish developed. He said he no longer had an opportunity to throw a block without wrecking himself.
What it cost
The early move cost Honeycutt his opportunity to win. As he and Majeski fought for space and lost speed, Smith carried momentum around the outside exiting the final corner and took the victory. Honeycutt finished 0.125 seconds behind Smith.
Honeycutt earned 48 points to Layne Riggs' 44, extending his championship advantage by 4 points. He left Talladega with a 43-point lead over Riggs.
What could have been done differently
Honeycutt should have stayed on Majeski's bumper longer and delayed the pass underneath. His push had already carried Majeski ahead of Smith; leaving that bumper for a separating lower line surrendered the momentum he needed to attack. Honeycutt acknowledged afterward that he should have continued pushing Majeski longer before making his move.