The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series prize money for the season finale at Phoenix Raceway is making headlines, as the championship race awards its winner a check expected to exceed $1.2 million. The highly anticipated event, scheduled for November 2, will not only see drivers battling for victory but also significant financial incentives.
The upcoming championship marks the eighth running of the Next Gen car at Phoenix Raceway, with all participating drivers vying for a share of the impressive total pool of $12,394,135. The race will feature 312 laps at the one-mile Arizona track, where only four drivers will have a shot at capturing the top reward—the Bill France Cup and its accompanying payout.
Breakdown of the Championship Race Prize Pool
For the Phoenix race, the overall purse for the NASCAR Cup Series stands at $12,394,135, as confirmed by NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass. He provided a detailed breakdown on X, noting that the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series all have distinct prize pools for the championship weekend in Avondale, Arizona:
“Purses for championship weekend, including all payouts, all positions. For Cup, includes all charter payouts: Cup: $12,394,135 Xfinity: $2,151,939 Truck: $1,160,400”
— Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Journalist
Winning the Cup Series race is estimated to secure a driver between eight and ten percent of the total purse, translating to a winner’s check ranging from $991,530.80 to $1,239,413.50. These figures highlight the financial stakes of clinching the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in 2025.
All 37 drivers scheduled to compete in the season’s final race are guaranteed a share of the purse based on their finishing positions, team status, and other factors, though only the four finalists remain eligible for the grand prize and championship title.
How Prize Money Is Distributed Among the Field
Once the winner’s prize is allocated, the remainder of the $12,394,135 purse is divided between the other charter teams. The distribution is determined by finishing position, charter status, and additional criteria established by NASCAR, though the specific breakdown for each position is no longer made public under the current system.
The revamped charter system has led to changes in how earnings information is released, with details on individual payouts kept confidential. This approach ensures that while the exact figures per team or driver may not be known, all competitors are compensated in alignment with NASCAR’s payout structure.
The championship weekend at Phoenix kicks off with practice and qualifying sessions prior to Sunday’s main event. These preliminary rounds and the final race itself will be accessible for viewing on truTV and NBC Sports, respectively, with the race broadcast beginning at 3 p.m. ET.
Anticipation for a Historic Closing Race
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway wraps up another thrilling season, concluding in Avondale, Arizona. For the competitors, especially the four championship finalists, the stakes go beyond sporting glory as they race for both the Bill France Cup and a substantial payday.
With drivers like the previous winners and seasoned participants ready for battle, the 312-lap contest is expected to draw significant attention from fans and media. The result of this event not only crowns a new champion but also marks a major financial reward, underscoring the high stakes and prestige of the NASCAR Cup Series prize money. Viewers can look forward to an intense contest with millions of dollars on the line, making the 2025 finale a fitting end to the racing season.
