Veteran NASCAR personality Kenny Wallace has stirred up debate by leaving Kyle Larson off his list of top three drivers likely to win the 2025 Cup Series, a surprise given Larson’s consistent performance this year. Wallace instead named William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell as his frontrunners, prompting questions among fans about what it takes to be considered a true Kyle Larson NASCAR Cup Series contender in this competitive field.
Wallace’s Surprising Top Three Picks for the Title
During a recent segment on his show Coffee with Kenny, Wallace shared his predictions for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship. With confidence rooted in this year’s driver statistics, he placed William Byron at the head of the list for his steady excellence throughout the season. Denny Hamlin was chosen for his ongoing status as a perennial favorite, and Christopher Bell secured the third spot over Larson, despite both drivers’ close statistical comparison.
“I’m going to go with William Byron, and here’s why, because William was so consistent all year long. I mean, he had a lot more races, one than he won, but got beat…So I’m going to go William Byron, I’m going to go Denny Hamlin just because you got to. You got to. And then I’m going to go Danny Hamlin and I’m going to go, God, between Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson, I’m going to go Christopher Bell. There they are.”
—Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Analyst
Kyle Larson Maintains Strong Championship Position
Kyle Larson has stood out as a leading figure throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, topping the points chart with 2032 points as the season heads toward the playoffs. Larson maintains a reassuring safety margin of 26 points above the postseason cutoff, which bodes well for his championship aspirations. Over 26 races, he has secured three victories at Homestead, Bristol, and Kansas, demonstrating versatility on different tracks. Larson’s record also includes one pole position, 11 top-five finishes, and 16 top-ten performances, placing him at the forefront of the conversation for possible title winners.
Despite a difficult summer where Larson led just 34 laps across 14 events, his overall resilience, elite driving abilities, and the relentless pace of Hendrick Motorsports’ car keep him in serious contention. His 32 playoff points match William Byron for the series high, further underscoring his qualifications as a championship threat. While some periods brought inconsistency, Larson remains a favorite for many fans and analysts who see his track record as evidence of his championship credentials.
Kenny Wallace’s Legacy Adds Weight to His Opinions
Kenny Wallace’s predictions carry influence not just due to his experience but his extensive racing career. With over two decades behind the wheel and a reputation cemented by achievements in multiple NASCAR tiers, Wallace’s voice resonates with viewers. He competed full-time in the Cup Series for more than 18 years, earning 27 top-ten finishes across 344 starts. Although a win in the top division eluded him, Wallace’s success was more pronounced in the Xfinity Series, where over nine victories and 173 top-tens led to his earning the Busch Series Rookie-of-the-Year title in 1989.
Critiques of NASCAR Fan Reactions and SVG’s Climb
Wallace took time to highlight how certain fans react to continued dominance in the sport, referencing Shane van Gisbergen (SVG), the celebrated V8 Supercar champion from New Zealand. SVG has quickly amassed five wins in just 38 Cup Series starts, quickly earning both admiration and, according to Wallace, hints of skepticism from traditional fans.
“What is it with society, everybody? I agree. Oh, Jimmy Johnson, he’s outrunning Jeff Gordon. Well, by the third championship in a row, they literally, and my mama said, hates a bad word, capital H-A-T-E. He’s laughing all the way to the bank. He doesn’t need any approval, but the fans just despise Jimmy Johnson for just winning so much. I think people like when you win one or two, you’re from a different country. You’re from New Zealand, SVG, but now you’ve won.”
—Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Analyst
This commentary draws a parallel between the trajectory of SVG and NASCAR greats like Jimmy Johnson, whose periods of dominance were at times met with indifference or even backlash. Wallace emphasized that such reactions often stem from seeing outsiders, or less familiar names, repeatedly upset the status quo, pointing to SVG’s rapid string of successes as proof of both his skill and the credibility he brings to Trackhouse Racing’s investment in him through a lengthened contract deal.
The Broader Impact on the NASCAR Cup Series
Kenny Wallace’s dismissing of Larson from his top three finishes underscores the depth of this year’s competition and the multitude of factors that analysts consider when making their predictions. As drivers like William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell loom large in expert circles, the ongoing performances of championship veterans such as Kyle Larson ensure there will be plenty of drama as the playoffs approach. With ongoing fan debates, shifting allegiances, and the rise of newcomers like SVG, this year’s NASCAR Cup Series promises further unpredictability and excitement for followers of the sport.
