As anticipation builds for the 2026 season and the Daytona 500 on February 15, fans can reflect on the outstanding 2025 NASCAR Cup Series achievements that set a high bar. The 2025 season delivered memorable milestones, incredible displays of talent, and record-breaking performances, underscoring why the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series achievements have become talking points throughout the racing community.
William Byron Joins Elite Group with Daytona 500 Repeat
William Byron made history by winning the Daytona 500 for the second consecutive year, an accomplishment seen only four times before in the series. Surviving a dramatic last-lap incident sparked by Cole Custer and Denny Hamlin, Byron finished ahead of the chaos to etch his name alongside legendary drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Sterling Marlin, Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough, and Hall of Famer Richard Petty. Byron’s back-to-back success in the ‘Great American Race‘ cements his status as a top driver in this era of the sport.
Christopher Bell Achieves Next Gen Era’s First Triple Win Streak
Following Byron’s early triumph, Christopher Bell captured the spotlight by claiming victories at EchoPark Speedway, Circuit of The Americas, and Phoenix—each in consecutive weeks. This marked the first time since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022 that any driver secured three straight wins, demonstrating Bell’s adaptability and control across different track types.
Josh Berry Breaks Through in Las Vegas
Josh Berry celebrated his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series win during the spring event at Las Vegas, achieving this feat in just his 53rd career start and his fifth appearance with the renowned Wood Brothers Racing team. Utilizing a clever late-race strategy, Berry managed a pivotal pass on Daniel Suarez with only 16 laps remaining, securing both the win and his place in the playoffs. Daniel Suarez’s involvement in the battle added another layer of excitement to Berry’s breakthrough moment.
Ross Chastain’s Remarkable Climb from Last to First
Ross Chastain stunned fans with his unprecedented victory in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Despite beginning the race from the 40th position due to an earlier practice crash, Chastain’s determination pushed him to surge past William Byron with six laps to go. This incredible drive not only earned him his first crown jewel win but also made him the first driver since Hall of Famer Bobby Allison in 1969 to win a race after starting in the final position.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Dominance on Road Courses
Rookie sensation Shane van Gisbergen, known as a road course ace, showcased dominance during NASCAR’s first international points race since 1958 at Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, finishing with a commanding 16.5-second lead over Christopher Bell. By the conclusion of the season, van Gisbergen claimed five consecutive road course victories, establishing himself as the racer to beat on circuits demanding right-hand turns. His achievements put pressure on everyone in the field, regardless of experience.
Bubba Wallace Scores Emotional Brickyard Victory
Bubba Wallace experienced a career milestone at the Brickyard, taking his third Cup Series victory. Wallace endured a fierce late challenge from Kyle Larson, the 2024 Brickyard 400 winner, and overcame a rain interruption to snap a 100-race winless streak. The victory assured Wallace of a playoff berth and highlighted his resilience as a competitor.
Ty Gibbs Triumphs in the Inaugural In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs emerged victorious in NASCAR’s experimental bracket-style tournament, the In-Season Challenge, held across five weeks. Though the new format had some growing pains, Gibbs’s strong performance, including three top-10 finishes, secured him the $1 million prize as he finished ahead of Ty Dillon in the Brickyard 400. Ty Dillon’s performance contributed to the tournament’s dramatic conclusion.
Chase Briscoe Dominates the Southern 500 Once Again
Chase Briscoe repeated his previous year’s feat by dominating the Southern 500, controlling 309 of 367 laps. Now driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, Briscoe demonstrated his mastery at the event just a year after closing out the final race for Stewart-Haas Racing. His victory cemented his advancement to the Round of 12 and served notice that he remains a formidable force in the field.
Denny Hamlin’s Historic 60th Career Win
Denny Hamlin joined an elite list by notching his 60th career victory with a win during the Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas. Becoming just the 11th driver in Cup Series history to reach this mark, Hamlin continues to set records even as the elusive championship slips by. This latest achievement solidifies his place among NASCAR legends including Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough.
Kyle Larson Secures Second Series Championship
Kyle Larson added to his legacy by capturing his second NASCAR Cup Series title in the championship race at Phoenix. Though Larson did not lead a lap in the final, a timely caution involving William Byron and a calculated two-tire pit stop gave him an advantage over Denny Hamlin. This performance made him the 18th driver to achieve multiple Cup Series championships, joining the company of the sport’s top champions.
These standout moments and individual triumphs highlight the exceptional talent and spirit of competition within the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. Drivers such as William Byron, Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, Bubba Wallace, Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson have all added new chapters to the sport’s history. With iconic venues like the Daytona 500, EchoPark Speedway, Circuit of The Americas, and Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez serving as settings, the 2025 season’s achievements will inspire anticipation for what promises to be another unforgettable year in NASCAR racing.
