With the next NASCAR season just two months away, several of the series’ most prominent competitors found themselves reflecting on the year and imagining what they might have requested for Christmas. Their thoughtful wishes highlight the pressures and challenges faced by NASCAR Cup Series drivers, with each hoping for a change in fortune as they approach another demanding season.
Denny Hamlin Hopes for Redemption After Championship Heartache
Denny Hamlin, a 60-time Cup Series race winner, came painfully close to finally conquering the elusive championship in 2025. While leading the title decider with only three laps remaining, a caution brought the field back together, allowing Kyle Larson to overtake and claim the Bill France Cup. The outcome meant that Hamlin’s long pursuit of the championship extended to a twentieth consecutive season. The intensity of the moment, combined with Hamlin’s repeated near-misses, has left an unmistakable mark of frustration and determination heading into the next campaign.
Kyle Larson Longs for Another Shot at Racing’s Historic “Double”
Kyle Larson’s Christmas wish centered on the opportunity to try once more for the grueling Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double—an achievement that few drivers dream of, let alone attempt. The significance of 2025’s attempt ran high after a disappointing attempt the previous year. Unfortunately, Larson suffered crashes in both prestigious races this time, though he redeemed his season by capturing a second NASCAR Cup Series title by its close. Despite the championship, the sense that he may not have another chance to attempt the double lingers, fueling a desire to rewrite history on two of racing’s biggest stages.
Kyle Busch Searches for Lost Speed Amid Struggles
For Kyle Busch, disappointment has been a familiar companion in recent seasons. The two-time Cup Series champion has not only endured two playoff-free, winless years but also recorded career-low performances with Richard Childress Racing. His 2025 statistics, including one of the worst average starting and finishing positions of his career, underscore a decline that has been difficult to reverse. While Busch’s pedigree and experience remain undisputed, his most heartfelt wish is to simply be in contention again, if only for flashes of speed that would signal a return to competitive form.
Brad Keselowski Seeks Relief from Relentless Misfortune
Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion, endured a season marked by unprecedented bad luck. In 2025, Keselowski was passed for the win seven times in 36 races and finished without a single victory. An off-track injury—a broken leg suffered in a ski accident—has complicated his hopes for recovery and a strong start to the 2026 season. For a driver of Keselowski’s caliber, even a small change in fortune would provide much-needed encouragement as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
Alex Bowman Desires a Break from Career Speculation
Alex Bowman’s wish list is both simple and telling: a respite from constant speculation about his future at Hendrick Motorsports. Despite notching seven wins and playoff appearances in recent seasons, Bowman often finds himself overshadowed within a star-studded organization that continually expects championship performances. Persistent rumors about potential replacements—especially with rising talents like Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love, and Carson Hocevar emerging within Chevrolet’s development ranks—fuel anxiety regarding his long-term position. Bowman’s wish is to enjoy even a single week free from distractions and doubts about his future, allowing the focus to return to his noteworthy successes on the track.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Hopes Mixed with Uncertainty
The Christmas wishes of these NASCAR Cup Series drivers reveal the personal and professional pressures that come with chasing victory at racing’s highest level. With past disappointments and current uncertainties shaping their perspectives, drivers like Hamlin, Larson, Busch, Keselowski, and Bowman enter the new season carrying not just competitive ambition but also a lingering sense of tension. As the 2026 NASCAR season approaches, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see whether these hopes can be realized or if disappointment will once again take center stage in one of America’s most competitive motorsports arenas.
