Sam Mayer needs big run at Iowa to help Chase odds in 2026

Sam Mayer needs a big run at Iowa Speedway to put himself in a better position to make the Chase. With two races remaining in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Series regular season, Mayer sits 10th in the standings with a 29-point advantage over the Chase bubble.

The Haas Factory Team driver is close to the cut line, and that’s why Iowa is becoming more important by the week. Mayer’s best track in NASCAR is arguably Iowa, so he has to maximize points in two weeks. If not, Mayer could be forced into a tough spot at Daytona International Speedway in the regular season finale.

Mayer has been very unlucky throughout the 2026 NASCAR season, and it doesn’t help that there are 12-plus drivers capable of making the Chase. If the driver of the No. 41 car wants to ensure a Chase spot, he must have a great run in the O’Reilly Series race at Iowa in two weeks.

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Sam Mayer needs big run at Iowa to help Chase odds in 2026