NASCAR heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the 2025 Mobil 1 301, marking the start of the Round of 12. After a tire-wear thriller at Bristol, the drivers face a track returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Beyond the championship stakes, this race carries significant prize money, making every lap and pit decision more critical. Teams and drivers must balance strategy, speed, and consistency as they compete for both points and a lucrative payout in Loudon.
Key Highlights
- 2025 Cup Series purse at New Hampshire totals $9,797,935, up from $7,876,911 last year.
- Xfinity Series purse sits at $782,900, down from $1,270,055 in 2024.
- Denny Hamlin enters as a favorite with three wins and 11 top-fives in 31 starts.
- Brad Keselowski and Christopher Bell are expected to challenge for the win.
- Toyota has dominated the postseason, sweeping the first three playoff races.
Prize Money Breakdown
Bob Pockrass reported on X that the total Cup Series purse for this weekend stands at $9,797,935. This figure includes base payouts, contingency awards, year-end points contributions, and additional benefits for competitors.
In comparison, the Xfinity Series purse is far lower at $782,900, reflecting the difference in scale between the two series. Drivers and teams are acutely aware that a strong finish here can provide both playoff leverage and significant financial rewards, adding extra tension to the already competitive Round of 12.
Drivers to Watch
Denny Hamlin enters New Hampshire with momentum despite a P31 finish at Bristol. The veteran boasts a 9.9 average finish at Loudon, three wins, and 11 top-fives in 31 starts, making him the odds-on favorite to contend for the Mobil 1 301 victory.
Brad Keselowski, meanwhile, carries a 10.5 average finish at New Hampshire, two wins, and 10 top-fives in 24 starts. Fresh off a runner-up effort at Bristol, Keselowski could challenge Hamlin and disrupt Toyota’s postseason sweep.
Christopher Bell, already a Round of 16 playoff race winner, has a 12.2 average finish at Loudon and the experience of leading 149 laps last year. He aims for back-to-back wins and will play a key role in Toyota’s continued dominance.
Toyota Dominance and Postseason Stakes
Toyota has set the tone for the 2025 playoffs, sweeping the first three races with Hamlin, Bell, and Chase Briscoe leading the charge. The Round of 12 at New Hampshire presents an opportunity to extend that dominance before the field moves to Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval.
While the Roval could produce a wildcard contender, perhaps someone like Shane van Gisbergen, New Hampshire’s results will heavily influence championship positioning and prize money allocation. Every decision, from tire strategy to pit stops, carries added weight in the context of both playoffs and earnings.
News in Brief: Drivers Chase $9.8M Purse at New Hampshire’s Round of 12
The 2025 Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway opens the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12 with a total purse of $9,797,935, up from last year. The Xfinity Series purse is $782,900. Denny Hamlin leads as the favorite with three wins and 11 top-fives in 31 starts, while Brad Keselowski and Christopher Bell are top contenders. Toyota has swept the first three postseason races, aiming to continue dominance.
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