Hendrick Motorsports leads NASCAR playoff standings following an intense end to the regular season at Daytona International Speedway, as the field for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs is officially determined. The team secured top spots with both Kyle Larson and William Byron ahead of the first postseason race at Darlington next week, underscoring Hendrick’s strong presence heading into the playoffs.
The regular season wrap-up at Daytona was filled with drama and pivotal moments affecting the playoff grid. Ryan Blaney’s victory not only sealed his position but brought relief to Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports. Bowman, forced to retire early after involvement in a major crash during stage one, found his playoff hopes hinging on the race outcome. Blaney’s win solidified Bowman’s place, ensuring all four Hendrick entries advanced into the postseason. For Tyler Reddick, confirmation of his playoff berth came mid-race, as the results unfolded around him.
As the focus shifts to the opening playoff event at Darlington, Kyle Larson and William Byron each lead the pack by 26 points over the cut line, capitalizing on consistent performances throughout the season. Joe Gibbs Racing features prominently with Denny Hamlin just three points behind in third, followed by his teammate Christopher Bell, who holds fifth place. In between, Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney sits fourth, just 20 points to the good, bolstered by his recent triumph at Daytona.
Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen emerges as a notable contender, sitting securely in sixth position on the strength of his dominance on road courses during the year. This places him ahead of several past champions and big names, elevating his presence as the playoffs commence.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings Heading to Darlington
The standings heading into the first playoff race are as follows:
1. Kyle Larson (No. 5, Hendrick Motorsports) +26
2. William Byron (No. 24, Hendrick Motorsports) +26
3. Denny Hamlin (No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing) +23
4. Ryan Blaney (No. 12, Team Penske) +20
5. Christopher Bell (No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing) +17
6. Shane van Gisbergen (No. 88, Trackhouse Racing) +16
7. Chase Elliott (No. 9, Hendrick Motorsports) +7
8. Chase Briscoe (No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing) +4
9. Bubba Wallace (No. 23, 23XI Racing) +2
10. Austin Cindric (No. 2, Team Penske) +2
11. Ross Chastain (No. 1, Trackhouse Racing) +1
12. Joey Logano (No. 22, Team Penske) +1
— Cutoff Line —
13. Josh Berry (No. 21, Wood Brothers Racing) -1
14. Tyler Reddick (No. 45, 23XI Racing) -1
15. Austin Dillon (No. 3, Richard Childress Racing) -2
16. Alex Bowman (No. 48, Hendrick Motorsports) -5
This arrangement sets up a competitive and unpredictable playoff series, with the top contenders from Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske, and Trackhouse Racing all positioned to make deep postseason runs. Several former champions and rising stars are within striking distance, making every race critical as they compete for the NASCAR Cup Series title.
The upcoming playoff opener at Darlington promises to maintain the intensity witnessed at Daytona. With Hendrick Motorsports in a commanding position and rivals close behind, the stage is set for a fiercely contested postseason that will test the mettle of all teams and drivers involved.
