The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs picture is starting to take shape after the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, the first race of the 10-race postseason stretch. Sixteen drivers entered the Playoffs, and after each of the first three rounds, four will be eliminated until only four remain to fight for the championship in the season finale.
Following Darlington, Chase Briscoe sits atop the standings despite not having the security of a points-paying win. Veteran Denny Hamlin holds strong at +43 above the cutline, with Kyle Larson (+38) and Tyler Reddick (+35) close behind. Bubba Wallace and William Byron are tied at +25, while Ryan Blaney (+22), Ross Chastain (+21), and Austin Cindric (+12) remain in solid positions. Christopher Bell (+11), Chase Elliott (+9), and rookie sensation Shane van Gisbergen (+3) are clinging to the final safe spots.
Drivers Above Cutoff
| POS | NO. | DRIVER | MFR | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 19 | Chase Briscoe | Toyota | Winner |
| 2 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | Toyota | +43 |
| 3 | 5 | Kyle Larson | Chevrolet | +38 |
| 4 | 45 | Tyler Reddick | Toyota | +35 |
| 5 | 23 | Bubba Wallace | Toyota | +25 |
| 6 | 24 | William Byron | Chevrolet | +25 |
| 7 | 12 | Ryan Blaney | Ford | +22 |
| 8 | 1 | Ross Chastain | Chevrolet | +21 |
| 9 | 2 | Austin Cindric | Ford | +12 |
| 10 | 20 | Christopher Bell | Toyota | +11 |
| 11 | 9 | Chase Elliott | Chevrolet | +9 |
| 12 | 88 | Shane Van Gisbergen | Chevrolet | +3 |
On the bubble, 2018 champion Joey Logano is just three points short, with Austin Dillon (-8) and Alex Bowman (-19) facing steep climbs. Rookie Josh Berry (-19) also has work to do to keep his Playoff hopes alive.
Drivers Below Cutoff
| POS | NO. | DRIVER | MFR | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 22 | Joey Logano | Ford | -3 |
| 14 | 3 | Austin Dillon | Chevrolet | -8 |
| 15 | 48 | Alex Bowman | Chevrolet | -19 |
| 16 | 21 | Josh Berry | Ford | -19 |
With two races left in the Round of 16, every lap and every point will matter as drivers battle for survival.
ALSO READ: Darlington’s 2025 Southern 500: $10M+ on the Line in Playoff Drama!
