Dale Earnhardt Jr picks champion contender William Byron as his top choice for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, with the championship showdown taking place at Phoenix soon. As Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and William Byron vie for the coveted title, Earnhardt Jr.’s prediction heightens anticipation for the season’s grand finale.
Championship Battle Intensifies Ahead of Phoenix Showdown
The stage is set for a thrilling finish at Phoenix, as this year’s NASCAR Cup Series finale features a high-stakes contest among four top drivers. Kyle Larson, the only past Cup Series champion among the finalists, barely secured his spot in the championship round. Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and Chase Elliott, on the other hand, are each seeking their first career title—a feat that would be especially momentous for all three drivers, considering their impressive performances in the rounds leading up to Phoenix.
Team Penske, which fielded Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, will not participate in the championship fight this time, as both drivers failed to make it to the Championship-4. This absence changes the dynamic of the competition, leaving the field wide open with no clear favorite and adding unpredictability to the outcome. While Larson relies on his experience as a one-time Cup Series champion, the challenge from his rivals is formidable.
William Byron’s Recent Dominance Boosts His Candidacy
William Byron has built a surge of momentum heading into Phoenix after a stellar run at Martinsville, where he started on pole and clinched victory while distancing himself from the competition. With his current form peaking at the perfect time, Dale Earnhardt Jr., a renowned NASCAR Hall of Famer, has confidently placed his support behind Byron to achieve his first championship win. Earnhardt Jr. stated his prediction outright:
“I think Byron’s gonna win the championship.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
This statement underscores Earnhardt Jr.’s conviction in Byron’s abilities and the potential he’s shown throughout the playoffs. Jeff Gordon, another respected name in racing, also recently commended Byron for delivering what he considered the best performance of Byron’s career at Martinsville. Encouragement from such high-profile former drivers bodes well for Byron, fueling optimism within the #24 team as they look to maintain their competitive edge at Phoenix.
Focus and Preparation: Byron’s Approach to the Deciding Race
After securing his place in the Championship-4 for 2025, Byron is set for his third run at the Phoenix finale. Although he finished third at Phoenix last year, this season has provided fresh hope. Byron explained his approach and mindset heading into this pivotal race, revealing the thoughtful preparation he believes is essential for a title-winning run:
“I will definitely think about all the factors, and I will think about all the things that I can do better at, and I’ll just dive into it and just do my homework, do my research, and hopefully, hopefully by Sunday, I feel confident in my prep, and I feel comfortable in all those things. And then you let the circumstances play out, and you just let kind of nature do its thing. So, yeah, I think it’s just kind of that’s my mindset.”
– William Byron, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Byron’s comments underscore his commitment to analyzing every possible detail before race day. As he completes his preparations, the driver knows he will face intense competition from talented rivals who are not easily outmatched. With Larson’s championship experience, Hamlin’s determination to finally capture a Cup title after two decades in the sport, and Elliott’s formidable track performance, Byron will need to rely on both his skills and strategic mindset to emerge victorious.
A Season Filled with Surprises Sets Up a Historic Finale
This year’s NASCAR Cup Series has been marked by dramatic twists, unexpected eliminations, and a level of excitement that has carried over into the final showdown. The absence of Team Penske’s Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney in the decisive round has shifted attention to the remaining contenders. Denny Hamlin stands out with a strong chance to claim a long-awaited maiden championship, given his formidable career spanning over 20 years.
Kyle Larson and William Byron, both from Hendrick Motorsports, enter the Phoenix race with significant public support, especially after Byron’s recent ascent. At Martinsville, Byron cemented his status as a favorite by exhibiting speed and composure under pressure. As the racing community looks toward the finale, championship hopes rest on both proven champions and drivers aspiring for their first victory at this level. The presence of names such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and other key figures highlights the stakes involved and the historic context surrounding this event.
With Dale Earnhardt Jr picking champion hopeful William Byron, and with the drivers and teams laser-focused on their strategies for the decisive race, all eyes will be on Phoenix for an unforgettable championship conclusion. Fans and insiders alike anticipate a tightly contested battle, knowing that this season’s unpredictability could produce a new NASCAR Cup Series champion and shape the future trajectory of the sport.
