William Byron and Denny Hamlin are separated by more than just points in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series—they’re also united by a season-long rivalry marked by thin margins and powerful performances. As one climbs the standings and the other navigates personal milestones, both drivers are shaping the trajectory of this year’s title fight. But a recent twist has momentarily altered the rhythm of this high-speed dance.
William Byron and Denny Hamlin’s Remarkable On-Track Proximity
Over the last three NASCAR Cup Series races, William Byron and Denny Hamlin have proven to be nearly inseparable on the track. The two title contenders have run within one position of each other in the top 10 for 328 of the last 900 laps—a staggering mark that’s 107 laps more than any other driver pairing. For comparison, William Byron and Tyler Reddick have only shared 221 laps in such close quarters. Currently, William Byron leads the driver standings while Denny Hamlin sits third, intensifying the championship narrative between them.
Did you know:
Over the past three races, William Byron and Denny Hamlin have run within one position of each other in the Top 10 for 328 of the 900 laps, 107 laps MORE than any other two drivers (Byron & Reddick – 221 laps). pic.twitter.com/H47CawavB3
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) June 13, 2025
William Byron in Command: Championship Form and 2025 Outlook
William Byron sits atop the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series standings with 576 points, holding a 41-point lead over teammate Kyle Larson. With one win under his belt and standout consistency—seven top-five finishes, nine top-10s, and an average finish of 10.5—Byron is in championship-caliber form. His focus remains on sustaining momentum and delivering week after week. As the series heads to Mexico City, Byron is preparing for the unfamiliar terrain of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, aiming to expand his lead and reinforce Hendrick Motorsports’ position at the top. With adaptability and confidence, Byron is shaping up to be a defining force in the 2025 title race.
Denny Hamlin’s Hot Streak Meets a Personal Pause in 2025 Push
Denny Hamlin has delivered one of the strongest campaigns of his career in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, sitting third in the standings with three wins, including a thrilling late-race triumph at Michigan International Speedway. Known for his playoff tenacity, Hamlin remains a top-tier contender. Off the track, he’s welcomed the birth of his son, choosing to skip the Mexico City race to support his fiancée and their growing family. While the absence is notable, Joe Gibbs Racing plans to request a playoff waiver, which is widely expected to be granted. That ensures Hamlin’s championship hopes remain intact, keeping him firmly in the hunt as the season intensifies.
News in Brief: William Byron and Denny Hamlin Stats
While William Byron surges forward with points and consistency, Denny Hamlin balances victory with fatherhood and calculated decisions. Their lap-by-lap proximity is more than a statistic—it’s a reflection of how tightly the 2025 title race is being contested. As NASCAR’s season continues to unfold, both drivers appear destined for a fight course that may only be settled in the final laps of the playoffs.
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