The top four contenders for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship—Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and Kyle Larson—will compete at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, on Sunday, November 2, at 3 p.m. ET. The highly anticipated finale will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock, offering fans a close look at which of these talented drivers will emerge as the 2025 titleholder.
This Year’s Finalists Aim for the Title
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship battle brings together four drivers who have each proven their skill and determination throughout the 2025 season. Chase Briscoe, entering his first appearance in the Championship 4, comes in as the two-time defending champion at Darlington and the 2021 Rookie of the Year. His three victories this year, including pivotal wins at Darlington and Talladega, propelled him through the playoff rounds into championship contention.
Denny Hamlin is returning to the Championship 4 for a fifth time, seeking his first-ever Cup Series crown. The three-time Daytona 500 winner secured his place with a victory at Las Vegas in the Round of 8—his sixth win this season and 60th career Cup Series triumph—which moved him into tenth place on NASCAR‘s all-time wins list.
William Byron, the reigning regular season champion, reaches his third consecutive Championship 4. Byron captured the iconic Daytona 500 for the second year running at the start of the season, joining an elite group as only the fifth driver to accomplish back-to-back wins in that race. With three wins under his belt this year, Byron is determined to take home his first Cup Series championship and seeks another victory at Phoenix Raceway.
Former champion Kyle Larson stands as the only competitor in this group who has previously won the Cup Series, claiming the title in 2021. This marks his third Championship 4 since his win, and with three victories so far this season, Larson is hoping to become the fifth multi-time champion in the playoff era introduced in 2004.
Crowning the Champion: Coverage and Special Features
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship will air this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, with live streaming offered via Peacock. Pre-race programming begins with Countdown to Green at 2 p.m. ET, providing in-depth coverage of each finalist’s journey to Phoenix and insight from the pit and broadcast teams.
Adding to the excitement, Michael Phelps—Arizona resident and the most decorated Olympian with 23 gold medals—will deliver the opening narration. Phelps’ involvement reflects the significance of this event as one of motorsports’ ultimate challenges and marks a unique connection between Olympic dedication and NASCAR competition.
Expert Analysis from the Broadcast Team
The championship broadcast will feature Leigh Diffey providing play-by-play commentary, joined by veteran analyst Jeff Burton, also known as “The Mayor” of NASCAR and the winner of this very race in 1997, and Steve Letarte, famed Daytona 500-winning crew chief. Reporting from the pit lane, Marty Snider, Kim Coon, Dave Burns, and Parker Kligerman will offer real-time updates direct from trackside.
In the studio, Marty Snider will guide the live coverage, working alongside Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett and Hyak Motorsports co-owner Brad Daugherty at the Peacock Pit Box. Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte are expected to lend their insights both before and during the race. Notably, both Burton and Jarrett have enjoyed previous Cup Series victories at Phoenix, lending valuable experience to their analysis of the championship showdown.
Championship Weekend Activities and Practice Sessions
In the days leading up to the main event, motorsports fans can follow extensive on-site coverage from NBCSports.com’s Dustin Long. Media day will feature Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, and Dale Jarrett at the Media Center at Phoenix Raceway on Thursday, October 30, at 4 p.m. PT. This availability provides reporters with opportunities to discuss the season’s developments, strategies, and what’s at stake for the finalists.
Live coverage of practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship begins Friday at 5:35 p.m. ET on truTV. These sessions offer a final look at the contenders’ preparations, potentially signaling strengths and weaknesses heading into the deciding race.
How to Watch the Final Race
Fans can catch the championship action live on NBC with streaming options available through Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. Broad coverage ensures that supporters won’t miss a moment, no matter where they are watching. The broadcast and studio teams, packed with former champions and expert analysts, promise a thorough look into both the race itself and the greater context behind each driver’s path to title contention.
The Road Ahead and What’s at Stake
This year’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway not only crowns a season-long pursuit but could see records matched or broken. With Chase Briscoe chasing his first Cup Series victory in the finale, Denny Hamlin aiming for a breakthrough title, William Byron looking to turn regular-season dominance into championship success, and Kyle Larson attempting to add a second title to his career achievements, the stakes are higher than ever. The results will not only determine this year’s champion but may also influence the legacy of these drivers within motorsports history.
