The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs feature 16 drivers vying for the championship over the final 10 races. The first three rounds each consist of three races, with four drivers eliminated per round. The season culminates in a championship race where the highest-finishing driver of the Final 4 claims the title. Points accumulated throughout the season, combined with playoff points, determine positioning and survival in each round, making every race critical.
Top 12 Drivers Above the Cutoff
After WWTR, 12 drivers sit above the playoff cutoff, led by Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe, both in strong Toyota rides. Kyle Larson (+60) and Bubba Wallace (+50) have surged with key performances, while Ryan Blaney (+42), William Byron (+39), and Tyler Reddick (+37) maintain steady form. Christopher Bell (+32), Chase Elliott (+28), Joey Logano (+21), Ross Chastain (+19), and Austin Cindric (+11) round out the safe drivers, all positioning themselves strategically for the Round of 12.
| POS | DRIVER | MFR | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denny Hamlin | Toyota | Winner |
| 2 | Chase Briscoe | Toyota | Winner |
| 3 | Kyle Larson | Chevrolet | +60 |
| 4 | Bubba Wallace | Toyota | +50 |
| 5 | Ryan Blaney | Ford | +42 |
| 6 | William Byron | Chevrolet | +39 |
| 7 | Tyler Reddick | Toyota | +37 |
| 8 | Christopher Bell | Toyota | +32 |
| 9 | Chase Elliott | Chevrolet | +28 |
| 10 | Joey Logano | Ford | +21 |
| 11 | Ross Chastain | Chevrolet | +19 |
| 12 | Austin Cindric | Ford | +11 |
Drivers Eliminated After Bristol
Four drivers fell below the cutoff following Bristol, ending their championship hopes: Austin Dillon (-11), Shane van Gisbergen (-15), Alex Bowman (-35), and Josh Berry (-45). Their playoff exit highlights the intensity and unpredictability of NASCAR’s postseason, where even consistent contenders can face elimination.
| POS | DRIVER | MFR | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Austin Dillon | Chevrolet | -11 |
| 14 | Shane van Gisbergen | Chevrolet | -15 |
| 15 | Alex Bowman | Chevrolet | -35 |
| 16 | Josh Berry | Ford | -45 |
Momentum and Key Battles
As the playoffs continue, momentum will play a major role. Hamlin, Briscoe, Larson, and Wallace all have hot streaks, while drivers like Elliott and Logano will fight to gain crucial points in the next round.
ALSO READ: 2024 NASCAR Cup Playoffs Breakdown: The Roadmap to Championship Glory and Drama
