The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series featured a series of commanding victories, with Denny Hamlin 2025 NASCAR wins making headlines after his notable Martinsville Speedway performance. Throughout an action-packed season concluding at Phoenix Raceway, fans witnessed several drivers achieve remarkable margins of victory, underscoring both skill and strategy on an array of tracks.
The Most Dominant NASCAR Victories of 2025
The year’s racing drama peaked not only with upsets and championship battles, but also with wins defined by surprisingly large leads. As the season wrapped up, performances from Shane van Gisbergen, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney stood out, each making their mark in distinct ways and highlighting the competitive landscape of the 2025 Cup Series.
1. Shane van Gisbergen’s Road-Course Triumph in Mexico City
Shane van Gisbergen, racing for Trackhouse Racing, delivered a performance for the ages in the inaugural Viva México 250. Blasting ahead with a margin of 16.567 seconds over Christopher Bell, van Gisbergen’s mastery on the road course showcased his technical prowess and stunning pace. The event not only became the largest margin of victory this season but marked the biggest since Kurt Busch’s Texas display in 2009. Behind the wheel, the New Zealander demonstrated why he is considered a formidable competitor in any format, leaving the rest of the field to battle for second place.
2. Another Commanding Win for Van Gisbergen at Charlotte Roval
The elimination race at Charlotte Roval cemented van Gisbergen’s reputation for road-course excellence. Finishing 15.160 seconds ahead, he left contenders including Kyle Larson far behind after leading 57 of the 109 laps. Van Gisbergen’s consistent braking and remarkable speed through corners solidified his stature, particularly during high-stakes playoff scenarios.
3. Van Gisbergen Continues Dominance at Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen International saw van Gisbergen claim his third largest blowout win of 2025 with an 11.116-second lead. After seizing the lead from Brad Keselowski with 17 laps remaining, he widened the gap lap after lap, appearing untouchable on the famed road course. This commanding finish further asserted his authority in the series and maintained the momentum that defined his season.
4. Denny Hamlin’s Martinsville Breakthrough Stands Out
The top non-road-course performance of the season came from Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin at Martinsville Speedway. On the tight, demanding 0.526-mile oval, Hamlin grabbed the lead from Chase Elliott on Lap 123 and methodically built a 4.617-second advantage before taking the checkered flag. Martinsville—often dubbed “The Paperclip”—typically yields close finishes, but Hamlin’s 2025 masterclass set him apart. Christopher Bell followed in second, reflecting the strength of Joe Gibbs Racing across the board.
5. Ryan Blaney’s Steady Performance at Nashville
Ryan Blaney rounded out the list of 2025’s largest margins of victory with a 2.830-second win at Nashville Superspeedway. Competing for Team Penske, Blaney showcased consistency and control on the 1.330-mile tri-oval, shutting down late charges from Carson Hocevar and Hamlin as he drove to victory. While not as dramatic as the road-course wins, Blaney’s effort solidified his role as a reliable closer in high-pressure races.
Seasonal Significance and Looking Forward
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series will be remembered for its thrilling races and the remarkable dominance displayed in key events, with Denny Hamlin’s Martinsville win illustrating how even short tracks can witness blowout finishes. Performances by drivers such as Shane van Gisbergen, Hamlin, and Blaney have raised expectations among fans and teams alike. As the sport prepares for a new season, the significance of these commanding wins will resonate, shaping strategies and fueling rivalries for the challenges ahead at iconic venues like Watkins Glen, Charlotte Roval, and Phoenix Raceway.
SHANE VAN GISBERGEN WINS IN MEXICO CITY! pic.twitter.com/gcLi9NFibS
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 15, 2025
