Kyle Larson is out front. Chris Buescher is in the red. And something about the numbers just doesn’t feel right. With 20 races complete in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, the playoff points chart shows more than just wins and losses—it raises new questions. Some names are right where many expected. Others are missing completely. One number even goes backward. The path to the championship is changing fast, but the full story is still taking shape.
Key Highlights
Playoff points are bonus points that carry through the first three rounds of the postseason.
Kyle Larson leads the field with 23 playoff points after 20 races.
Shane van Gisbergen, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell each have 3 wins.
Chris Buescher sits at –4 playoff points due to a penalty, sparking fan discussion.
Fans remain divided on how playoff points are awarded—and what they truly reflect.
What Are Playoff Points?
Playoff points are not the same as the regular season points that drivers earn week to week. Instead, they are bonus points awarded for stage wins (1 point) and race wins (5 points) during the regular season. These points are crucial once the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs begin.
While regular points reset at the start of each playoff round, playoff points carry over through the Round of 16, Round of 12, and Round of 8, giving drivers with more points a better chance of advancing—even if they have a bad race.
Top Contenders After 20 Races
Kyle Larson (No. 5) — 23 Playoff Points
The 2021 champion leads the field with 23 playoff points, thanks to multiple race and stage wins in 2025. He’s been the most consistent frontrunner this season, regularly qualifying near the top and contending for wins across all track types.
Outlook: If Larson maintains this momentum, he enters the playoffs with a massive cushion. As one fan put it:
“He may be in a slump, but man Larson put up some crazy stats prior to Charlotte.” – a nascar fan
Denny Hamlin (No. 11) — 19 Playoff Points
Hamlin has shown veteran prowess again in 2025, collecting three wins including dominant runs at Martinsville and the Cook Out 400.
Outlook: With a history of deep playoff runs and strategic racing, Hamlin remains a threat to make the Championship 4.
Shane van Gisbergen (No. 88) — 17 Playoff Points
The rookie sensation continues to turn heads. SVG’s three wins—all on road and street courses—have come with staggering dominance, including leading 97 of 110 laps at Sonoma.
Outlook: If he can start converting oval experience into results, SVG could be a title contender in his first full season.
Christopher Bell (No. 20) — 16 Playoff Points
Bell’s year has been about resilience and versatility. With three wins across varying tracks (Atlanta, COTA, and Phoenix), he’s proven capable of adapting and competing at the front.
Outlook: If his consistency holds, he may quietly advance into the final four.
William Byron (No. 24) — 12 Playoff Points
Despite just one win, Byron leads the regular-season standings and has racked up stage points through top-five consistency.
Outlook: He’s the epitome of a points racer. If he keeps finishing up front, Byron could surprise with a deep playoff run.
Ryan Blaney (No. 12) — 9 Playoff Points
The 2023 champion has had a quieter 2025, but one win and a handful of solid finishes keep him in the mix.
Outlook: If he can ramp up during the summer, he has the veteran savvy to make a deep run.
Austin Cindric (No. 2) — 8 Playoff Points
Cindric’s performance has improved on intermediate tracks this year, and he has a win to his name.
Outlook: Still inconsistent, but trending upward. A second win could raise his ceiling.
Joey Logano (No. 22) — 7 Playoff Points
Logano’s season has had moments, but he’s yet to string together multiple strong finishes.
Outlook: His playoff experience can’t be ignored. Another win or a few more stage points could vault him up the board.
Playoff Points of every Cup driver through 20 races: pic.twitter.com/gxZfqELKYJ
— Daniel Céspedes (@_DanielCespedes) July 15, 2025
The Other End of the Spectrum
Some of the biggest fan discussion centers not on who’s dominating—but on who isn’t.
Chris Buescher currently sits at –4 playoff points due to a penalty, making him the only driver in negative territory. Fan reactions have ranged from humor to frustration:
“King Cody with 4 more points than Buescher!!!”
“Chris Buescher going the wrong way video game style.”
“The way Playoff Points are handed out is stupid. And it’s incredible how it’s only like the 6th stupidest thing about the playoffs.” – nascar fans reaction
Meanwhile, winless veterans like Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, and Alex Bowman sit at zero playoff points, raising eyebrows about their form through 20 races.
Why Fans Are Talking
The playoff system—especially the way bonus points are distributed—continues to draw mixed opinions. While it rewards stage and race winners, it can also leave consistent drivers behind if they don’t finish strong in the right moments. Penalties like Buescher’s spark further confusion.
The system also puts pressure on underdog teams: one big win can secure a playoff berth and a five-point bonus, even if the rest of the season has been underwhelming.
Outlook Heading Toward the Playoffs
With just six races left in the regular season, playoff points are becoming more important than ever. The battle for seeding and the Round of 16 is tightening, and every stage win or race victory can make the difference between advancement and elimination.
Expect drivers like Hamlin, Larson, and SVG to keep stacking playoff points, while others on the bubble look to break through before it’s too late.
News in Brief: 2025 NASCAR Drivers’ Playoff Points Track
Through 20 races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Kyle Larson leads with 23 playoff points, followed by Denny Hamlin (19), Shane van Gisbergen (17), and Christopher Bell (16). William Byron sits fifth with 12, thanks to consistent top finishes. Drivers like Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, and Joey Logano also remain in striking range. Notably, big names such as Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch have yet to earn playoff points, while Chris Buescher sits at -4 after penalties. With just six regular-season races remaining, every stage and race win will be crucial in shaping the playoff landscape.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Fans Theorize Wild Plot That Could Keep Tyler Reddick Out of Phoenix
