As the NASCAR Cup Series prepares to tackle the streets of downtown Chicago for the Grant Park 165, anticipation is running high. The Chicago Street Course, a relatively new but already iconic stop on the calendar, promises chaos, opportunity, and the potential for a major shakeup in the championship race. With the season now past its midpoint and the playoff picture beginning to take shape, every point, stage, and finish is magnified. Here’s a detailed look at the current state of the Cup Series driver standings, key storylines, and what to watch for as the series heads to the Windy City.
Recent Races and the Road to Chicago
The most recent race, the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, delivered the kind of high-speed drama that has defined the 2025 season. Atlanta’s superspeedway-style racing produced a mix of surprise contenders and heartbreak for some playoff hopefuls, setting the stage for a tense run to the postseason. While official points after Atlanta are not yet available in the search results, the standings entering Chicago reflect a season marked by parity and unpredictability.
The 2025 Standings: Who’s On Top?
While the exact points totals may fluctuate slightly after Atlanta, the season’s narrative has been shaped by a handful of key drivers and breakthrough performances. Here’s how the championship picture looks heading into Chicago:
Championship Leaders
William Byron has been the model of consistency in 2025, leveraging strong stage finishes and a win at the Daytona 500 to stay atop the standings. His ability to collect stage points and avoid major mistakes has kept him in the regular-season championship hunt, even as others have racked up more wins.
Chase Elliott has yet to win in 2025, but his relentless consistency has kept him in the top five in points. Elliott’s road and street course skills make him a favorite to finally break through at Chicago, where precision and adaptability are paramount.
Kyle Larson remains one of the most dynamic drivers in the field, with three wins already this season. Larson’s aggressive style and knack for dominating on a variety of circuits—including intermediates, short tracks, and road courses—make him a perennial threat, especially as the playoffs approach.
Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell have each notched three victories, keeping Joe Gibbs Racing in the championship conversation. Hamlin’s veteran savvy and Bell’s road course prowess will be crucial as the series hits the unique challenge of Chicago’s street layout.
Playoff Bubble and Surprises
The battle for the final playoff spots is as fierce as ever. Austin Cindric’s win at Talladega secured his place above the cut line, while drivers like Chris Buescher, Alex Bowman, and Kyle Busch are fighting for every point to stay in the postseason picture. Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Preece are also in the mix, needing strong runs to solidify their playoff hopes.
Notably, Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand street racing ace, claimed a historic win at Mexico City. While he’s not a full-time points contender, his presence at street and road courses could play spoiler for playoff hopefuls.
Key Storylines Heading Into Chicago
1. The Street Course Wild Card
The Chicago Street Course is unlike any other on the NASCAR schedule. With tight corners, concrete barriers, and little room for error, it demands a unique blend of aggression and restraint. Last year’s event was defined by late-race chaos and surprise contenders, and the 2025 edition is expected to be just as unpredictable.
2. Road Course Ringers and Specialists
Drivers with a background in road and street racing—such as Tyler Reddick, AJ Allmendinger, and Shane van Gisbergen—are expected to contend for the win. Reddick, in particular, has emerged as one of the best road racers in the Cup Series, while Allmendinger’s experience could make him a dark horse.
3. Playoff Pressure
With only a handful of races left before the playoffs, every stage point and finish matters. Drivers on the bubble will be under immense pressure to deliver in Chicago, where a mistake can mean the difference between making the postseason and missing out.
4. Manufacturer Battles
Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford have all tasted victory in 2025, with Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske leading the charge for their respective brands. The street course could be a pivotal battleground in the ongoing manufacturer war, with setup and adaptability playing a key role.
Drivers to Watch in Chicago
William Byron: The points leader’s consistency makes him a safe bet for a strong finish, but his street course record is still developing.
Kyle Larson: A proven winner on all types of tracks, Larson’s aggressive approach could pay off—if he avoids trouble.
Denny Hamlin: Veteran experience and recent form make Hamlin a threat, especially if the race turns into a strategy battle.
Chase Elliott: Still seeking his first win of the season, Elliott’s road course expertise makes him a favorite.
Shane van Gisbergen: The street course specialist could steal the spotlight and shake up the playoff picture.
Tyler Reddick: His road course reputation precedes him, and he’s hungry for a statement win.
What’s at Stake?
Regular Season Championship: The battle for the top seed and bonus playoff points is still wide open.
Playoff Spots: With the field tightening, every point is crucial for drivers on the bubble.
Momentum: A strong run in Chicago could propel a contender into the summer stretch with confidence and momentum.
News in Brief: NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings Before Chicago
As NASCAR heads to the Chicago Street Course, the 2025 Cup Series standings reflect a season of parity, unpredictability, and high stakes. With the playoffs looming, the streets of Chicago offer a unique opportunity for drivers to make a statement—or suffer a setback. Whether it’s a championship favorite extending their lead or an underdog seizing the moment, the Grant Park 165 promises to be a pivotal chapter in the race for the NASCAR Cup Series crown.
ALSO READ: Carson Hocevar visits Chicagoland Speedway, calls abandoned NASCAR track “eerie” amid revival rumors
