As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series heads toward the season’s final stretch, the playoff battle is heating up. With six races remaining after Kansas, the intensity is palpable as 16 drivers vie for the championship over four elimination rounds. The structure remains unforgiving: four drivers are eliminated in each of the first three rounds, leaving four to fight for the title in the season-ending championship race.
Currently, the top eight playoff drivers are holding strong above the cutoff line. Chase Elliott leads the charge for Chevrolet, followed closely by Ford’s Ryan Blaney. Kyle Larson (+54) and Denny Hamlin (+48) have made significant gains, while Christopher Bell (+44), William Byron (+40), Chase Briscoe (+21), and Joey Logano (+13) round out the top eight, each looking to secure a spot in the next round.
Top 8 Playoff Drivers (Above Cutoff)
| POS | NO. | DRIVER | MFR | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | Chase Elliott | Chevrolet | — |
| 2 | 12 | Ryan Blaney | Ford | — |
| 3 | 5 | Kyle Larson | Chevrolet | +54 |
| 4 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | Toyota | +48 |
| 5 | 20 | Christopher Bell | Toyota | +44 |
| 6 | 24 | William Byron | Chevrolet | +40 |
| 7 | 19 | Chase Briscoe | Toyota | +21 |
| 8 | 22 | Joey Logano | Ford | +13 |
Meanwhile, four drivers are teetering on the edge after the Charlotte Roval. Ross Chastain (-13), Bubba Wallace (-26), Tyler Reddick (-29), and Austin Cindric (-48) face an uphill battle to advance. Every lap, pit stop, and strategic move over the remaining races will be critical as the playoff field tightens and the championship chase accelerates.
Bottom 4 Playoff Drivers (At Risk, Cutoff After Charlotte Roval)
| POS | NO. | DRIVER | MFR | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 1 | Ross Chastain | Chevrolet | -13 |
| 10 | 23 | Bubba Wallace | Toyota | -26 |
| 11 | 45 | Tyler Reddick | Toyota | -29 |
| 12 | 2 | Austin Cindric | Ford | -48 |
ALSO READ: 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs: Can Larson’s Dominance Outshine Reddick’s Resilience?
