Kyle Larson clinched the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship without ever running out front during a race, a rare feat that has shifted the focus of the season’s outcome. This unexpected result saw Denny Hamlin finishing just behind him in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings after a competitive year.
Larson’s Title Clinch and Final Race Dynamics
Kyle Larson’s consistent performance throughout the season allowed him to capture the Cup title, despite not leading any laps during the critical races. In the season’s finale, Ryan Blaney crossed the finish line first, overtaking Brad Keselowski at the last corner, while Larson secured third place, sealing his second career championship. This win solidified Larson’s standing as one of the top drivers in today’s Cup Series landscape.
Season Participation and Points Contenders
This NASCAR Cup season saw a total of 60 drivers taking part in at least one race; however, only 43 of them were eligible to collect points over the circuit’s length. Of these, 35 drivers participated in all 36 points-paying events, demonstrating the depth and commitment present at the top level. The competition across the schedule remained tight, with strong entries from established names and newcomers alike.
Notable Final Standings and Driver Achievements
Chase Briscoe achieved a personal best by placing third in the final championship standings, marking his strongest campaign to date. Denny Hamlin, after a decade since his last runner-up finish, emerged as the Cup runner-up again in 2025, narrowly missing the title. Meanwhile, Joey Logano, unable to defend his previous year’s title, finished the season in seventh position, reflecting the unpredictable nature and challenges of the Cup Series.
Kyle Busch, a long-standing force in NASCAR, experienced an unprecedented result by dropping to 21st in the final points—his first finish outside the top 20 since turning full-time two decades ago, despite ending the year with a strong top-five result in the last race.
Award Winners and Standout Rookies
Shane van Gisbergen claimed Rookie of the Year honors by finishing twelfth in the standings, making a strong impression in his first Cup Series season. Among teams, Wood Brothers Racing repeated their previous year’s finish by placing last in the playoff standings (16th). RFK Racing, with Chris Buescher outpacing Ryan Preece for seventeenth overall, once again led the remainder of the field after the main playoff contenders.
For full-time competitors, Cody Ware ended the championship 36th and last among that group, concluding a season filled with both tough competition and notable achievements across the field.
Looking Ahead for NASCAR’s Top Drivers
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship showcased the sport’s unpredictability, with drivers like Kyle Larson reaching new milestones and others facing surprising outcomes. As fans and teams reflect on the dramatic shifts within the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings, the focus now turns to how organizations and drivers—such as Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Shane van Gisbergen—will adapt in the upcoming season, eager to challenge for top honors once again.
