As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series final approaches, four drivers—Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and Kyle Larson—are set to compete for the season’s ultimate honor at Phoenix Raceway. The anticipation is high, with only one contender able to join the esteemed ranks of NASCAR Cup Series championship winners by claiming the Bill France Cup.
Four Contenders Face Off at Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix Raceway will witness a dramatic conclusion as Briscoe, Hamlin, Byron, and Larson vie for the championship trophy. Among them, Kyle Larson stands out as the only driver with a prior Cup Series title, having celebrated victory in 2021. The other three drivers—Briscoe, Hamlin, and Byron—are all seeking their first championship win, adding extra excitement to the showdown.
Larson, who currently leads in the standings, is viewed as the favorite, but the fierce competition suggests that any of the four could emerge as the 2025 champion. This unpredictable contest adds to the legacy and competitiveness of the sport as each participant strives to secure a place among the historical winners of the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
The Most Decorated Champions in NASCAR Cup Series History
In the modern era of the NASCAR Cup Series, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson each earned an impressive seven championships, making them the drivers with the most titles since 1972. Jeff Gordon follows closely, having secured four championship wins during his illustrious career. These legends—alongside names like Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, and Tony Stewart—have shaped the narrative of success in the series.
Every NASCAR Cup Series Champion Since 1972
Here is the full list of NASCAR Cup Series championship winners from 1972 onward, highlighting the achievements of iconic drivers such as Rusty Wallace, Bobby Allison, Brad Keselowski, Kevin Harvick, and Joey Logano:
1. 1972 – Richard Petty
2. 1973 – Benny Parsons
3. 1974 – Richard Petty
4. 1975 – Richard Petty
5. 1976 – Cale Yarborough
6. 1977 – Cale Yarborough
7. 1978 – Cale Yarborough
8. 1979 – Richard Petty
9. 1980 – Dale Earnhardt
10. 1981 – Darrell Waltrip
11. 1982 – Darrell Waltrip
12. 1983 – Bobby Allison
13. 1984 – Terry Labonte
14. 1985 – Darrell Waltrip
15. 1986 – Dale Earnhardt
16. 1987 – Dale Earnhardt
17. 1988 – Bill Elliott
18. 1989 – Rusty Wallace
19. 1990 – Dale Earnhardt
20. 1991 – Dale Earnhardt
21. 1992 – Alan Kulwicki
22. 1993 – Dale Earnhardt
23. 1994 – Dale Earnhardt
24. 1995 – Jeff Gordon
25. 1996 – Terry Labonte
26. 1997 – Jeff Gordon
27. 1998 – Jeff Gordon
28. 1999 – Dale Jarrett
29. 2000 – Bobby Labonte
30. 2001 – Jeff Gordon
31. 2002 – Tony Stewart
32. 2003 – Matt Kenseth
33. 2004 – Kurt Busch
34. 2005 – Tony Stewart
35. 2006 – Jimmie Johnson
36. 2007 – Jimmie Johnson
37. 2008 – Jimmie Johnson
38. 2009 – Jimmie Johnson
39. 2010 – Jimmie Johnson
40. 2011 – Tony Stewart
41. 2012 – Brad Keselowski
42. 2013 – Jimmie Johnson
43. 2014 – Kevin Harvick
44. 2015 – Kyle Busch
45. 2016 – Jimmie Johnson
46. 2017 – Martin Truex, Jr.
47. 2018 – Joey Logano
48. 2019 – Kyle Busch
49. 2020 – Chase Elliott
50. 2021 – Kyle Larson
51. 2022 – Joey Logano
52. 2023 – Ryan Blaney
53. 2024 – Joey Logano
The Enduring Legacy of the NASCAR Cup Series
The championship has consistently illustrated the skill and determination required to achieve NASCAR greatness. With each new season, drivers from various teams and backgrounds strive to add their name to the distinguished list of NASCAR Cup Series championship winners. As the 2025 season comes to a head, fans and drivers alike are reminded of the significance of this achievement, with legends like Dale Earnhardt, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson setting the standard. As Phoenix Raceway prepares to crown the latest champion, anticipation and admiration for the league’s history continue to inspire the next generation of competitors and fans.
Could long-run speed be the secret to success for #KL5? @KyleLarsonRacin had the fastest 15-lap average in practice Friday. pic.twitter.com/CUlAKMNaWH
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 1, 2025
Only one will be worn on Sunday. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/NjE7emqDuj
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 1, 2025
