Denny Hamlin falls in NASCAR Cup Series standings following his decision to miss Sunday’s race in Mexico City for personal reasons, while Chase Elliott capitalized with a strong showing to move up in the rankings. This shake-up after the international event has changed the dynamics among leading drivers, impacting playoff outlooks and championship storylines.
Hamlin’s Absence Leads to Standings Drop
Just weeks ago, Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing held third place overall, his Michigan victory propelling him into championship contention. However, Hamlin opted to skip the Mexico City race to prioritize family obligations, leaving the No. 11 car absent from the event at a crucial point in the season. As a result, Hamlin has slipped two spots, now sitting fifth in the latest Cup Series standings.
Hamlin’s demotion was a direct consequence of two rivals overtaking him in overall points. Christopher Bell, competing for the same Joe Gibbs Racing outfit, finished second in Mexico City and leapfrogged Hamlin, now sitting third. Bell benefits significantly from this performance, aligning closely behind Kyle Larson—who holds second place—and William Byron, who remains the overall leader.
Chase Elliott Rises with Strong Performance
Meanwhile, Chase Elliott made notable progress thanks to his own impressive showing south of the border. After starting the weekend in fifth position, Elliott achieved third place in the race, securing a bump in the overall rankings. He is now ranked fourth, surpassing Hamlin and reinforcing his reputation as one of the series’ top talents and its most popular driver. This outcome strengthens not just Elliott’s chances but also Hendrick Motorsports’ presence at the front of the pack, as the team claims three drivers among the top five.
Other Significant Changes in the Standings
Beyond the leaders, other competitors experienced significant changes following the Mexico City round. Michael McDowell was a standout riser: he gained seven positions in the overall standings, jumping from 23rd to 16th after a fifth-place finish in the race. McDowell, piloting the No. 71 for Spire Motorsports, now sits just above the playoff cut-off and collected an important haul of stage points, bolstering his post-season hopes.
In contrast, Kyle Busch endured a rough outing. An early crash on the seventh lap forced Busch out of the race, causing him to tumble three spots to 18th in the championship, now below the playoff cut line. Busch’s misfortune at Mexico City further complicates his bid for a post-season berth.
Among the victors, Shane van Gisbergen’s first-place finish not only marked a race triumph but also secured his entry into the 2025 Cup Series playoffs. Despite this success, van Gisbergen remains well down the order in 30th place, but the win guarantees him a shot at the next season’s championship.
Current Standings After Mexico City
The revised standings now show William Byron leading the NASCAR Cup Series with 604 points for Hendrick Motorsports. Teammate Kyle Larson is second with 537 points, followed by Christopher Bell (524) in third, and Chase Elliott (500) overtaking Hamlin, who drops to fifth with 494 points. Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, and Bubba Wallace round out the top ten.
Michael McDowell, now in 16th, edges just inside the playoff frame, while Kyle Busch’s fall to 18th puts him on the outside looking in. Other drivers like Josh Berry, AJ Allmendinger, and Erik Jones remain in contention, but with the points table tightening, each race increases in importance.
The latest results highlight the significance of each race and underscore how a single absence or early exit can dramatically alter the competitive landscape. With just a handful of races left before the playoffs, drivers and teams face mounting pressure to deliver consistent performances and avoid setbacks.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Landscape and Future Races
As the regular season winds down, the championship picture remains fluid following these key ranking shifts. For Hamlin, the priority will be to maximize points in the upcoming races and reclaim lost ground, knowing that his playoff position, while strong, is no longer as secure. For Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell, the momentum from Mexico City presents an opportunity to further challenge the frontrunners and cement their playoff status.
McDowell’s breakthrough and Van Gisbergen’s surprise win also signal that the fight for playoff positions remains wide open. With other contenders within striking distance and every race bringing the potential for dramatic swings, the coming weeks will be decisive for those chasing NASCAR Cup Series glory.
