The NASCAR Cup Series has hit its halfway point, and some drivers are already pulling away while others are scrambling to catch up. It’s been a season full of wins, setbacks, and steady climbs. But with the playoffs closing in, every point matters more than ever. Who’s in control—and who’s at risk?
Key Highlights
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William Byron leads the standings with 604 points and a Daytona 500 victory
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Chase Elliott has rebounded with top-10 consistency and a critical win
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Denny Hamlin remains strong despite a missed race and recent struggles
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Carson Hocevar is rising fast in just his second full-time season
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Playoff spots are still up for grabs, especially with road courses ahead
Front Runners and Favorites
William Byron
Grade: A
William Byron has been the top driver in 2025 so far. His win in the Daytona 500 gave him early momentum, and he has stayed consistent with strong finishes and stage points. His No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet has stayed in the top 10 even on rough days. Byron’s lead is comfortable, but as Denny Hamlin said, “If I’m Byron, I’m sweating now that the nine [Chase Elliott] is the next in line.” More playoff points will help his title hopes, but the pressure will only grow.
Chase Elliott
Grade: A-
Chase Elliott snapped a 44-race winless streak with a dramatic late pass at EchoPark Speedway. Since then, he’s been a model of consistency—finishing inside the top 20 every race this season. With seven top-10s and three top-fives, the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports driver has closed the gap to just 37 points behind Byron. His comeback at COTA, where he spun on lap one and still finished fourth, showed his toughness. Elliott could soon overtake his teammate as the lead title threat.
Denny Hamlin
Grade: B+
Denny Hamlin opened the season strong with a win at Michigan but dropped from third to fifth in points after missing the Mexico City race. That absence, plus a poor finish in Atlanta, slowed his run. Still, his 18 playoff points and smart driving keep him in the mix. “We’ve got work to do,” Hamlin admitted after Atlanta. He’ll need to bounce back quickly to stay in championship shape.
New Faces and Big Shifts
Carson Hocevar
Grade: B
In only his second full-time Cup season, Carson Hocevar has made waves. The Spire Motorsports driver is 20th in points with 313—close to the playoff cut. His aggressive racing style has earned him several top-15s and plenty of attention. While mistakes have cost him at times, the talent is clear. A win or two could push him into playoff contention.
Michael McDowell
Grade: B+
Michael McDowell has quietly climbed into the playoff zone, sitting 16th after a strong Mexico City run. He’s been great on road courses and is picking up valuable stage points. If he keeps it up, he could sneak deep into the postseason.
Christopher Bell
Grade: B+
Now third in the standings, Christopher Bell continues to show growth at Joe Gibbs Racing. A runner-up finish in Mexico helped his push toward the top. He’s not flashy, but he’s getting the job done.
Struggles, Pressure, and Playoff Chaos
Kyle Busch
Grade: C
Kyle Busch has dropped below the playoff line, now 18th after a crash in Mexico City. His year has been filled with frustration and inconsistent runs. Without a quick turnaround, the two-time champion may miss the postseason for a second straight year.
Alex Bowman
Grade: B-
Though 12th in the standings, Alex Bowman hasn’t matched the speed of his teammates. He’s yet to score a win and hasn’t cracked the top five often. With drivers like Chase Elliott and William Byron dominating, Bowman needs stronger results to be a true contender.
News in Brief: NASCAR Mid-Season Report Cards
With half the season gone, the playoff picture is coming into focus. William Byron leads with a firm grip, but Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell are gaining ground fast. Denny Hamlin must recover his early-season form, while Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell are turning heads with surprising strength. The wildcard? The schedule still includes road courses, where drivers like Elliott, SVG, and McDowell could turn the standings upside down. Buckle in—2025’s second half might be even wilder than the first.
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