2025 NASCAR Season Etched in Memory: From Championship Drama to Legal Battles

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season delivered a compelling blend of on-track battles, technological advancements, and unprecedented off-track drama, solidifying its place as a landmark year in the sport’s history. As the checkered flag fell on the 76th season, the industry reflected on a campaign defined by Kyle Larson’s championship triumph, the persistent debate surrounding playoff formats, and a protracted legal challenge that captivated the sport.

This year’s season was marked by robust competition, particularly on larger ovals during the summer months. The continued refinement of the Next Gen car, now in its fourth year, yielded impressive racing on short tracks, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport’s technical direction. However, the most significant narrative thread woven throughout the year was not confined to the 1.5-mile tracks or the tight confines of bullrings, but rather unfolded within the hallowed halls of a courtroom. A 15-month legal process, culminating in a full trial, cast a long shadow over the season, impacting team strategies and league discussions.

Kyle Larson, a consistent frontrunner throughout the season, clinched his second career Cup Series championship. His victory capped a season where he demonstrated both raw speed and strategic acumen, navigating the complexities of the playoff system. Yet, the very mechanism by which this championship was determined became a focal point of industry-wide discourse. Denny Hamlin, a veteran driver and outspoken critic of certain NASCAR decisions, found himself at the center of this debate, his commentary and actions often fueling the ongoing conversation about the sport’s future.

As the sport bids farewell to 2025, a review of the 50 most memorable moments offers a comprehensive look at the year’s defining events:

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50. Remembering Those Lost: The year was punctuated by profound loss within the NASCAR community. The tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Greg Biffle, Cristina Grossu, Emma Biffle, Ryder Biffle, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth, occurring just a week before the house fire that claimed Dennis Hamlin Sr., cast a somber mood. The passing of legendary journalist Al Pearce and championship-winning team owner Shige Hattori in the same week, followed by Daytona 500 winning owner Bill Davis in September, and team owners Bill Baumgardner, Travis Carter, Charlie Henderson, and Larry McClure, left significant voids. The community also mourned the loss of crew members Steve ‘Birdie’ Bird and Zach Yager, as well as drivers Martin Truex Sr., Wayne Andrews, Phil Barkdoll, Rex White, and Xfinity Series winner Michael Annett. Contributions from figures like Jon Edwards, Jerry Petty, Humpy Wheeler, and Grant Lynch were also remembered.

49. Madhouse Legends Debut: In a unique celebration of grassroots racing, Bowman Gray Stadium’s winningest drivers, Tim Brown and Burt Myers, made guest appearances in the pre-season Clash. This symbolic nod to their storied careers at the historic "Madhouse" highlighted NASCAR’s deep roots and the romantic appeal of its diverse racing heritage.

48. Cleetus in ARCA: YouTuber and amateur racer Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, brought a significant influx of viewership to the ARCA Racing Series. His Daytona and Talladega starts, streamed live to millions of followers, generated substantial engagement, demonstrating the growing influence of digital content creators in motorsports. McFarland achieved top-10 finishes at Talladega and Charlotte, showcasing competitive potential beyond his online persona.

47. Spring Martinsville Xfinity Chaos: The spring Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway devolved into a chaotic spectacle, drawing sharp criticism from prominent figures like Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. A late-race incident involving Sammy Smith and Taylor Gray, coupled with a multi-car pile-up on the frontstretch, led to penalties for Smith and a stern message from NASCAR regarding acceptable on-track product.

46. Wallace Denied 500 Entry: Mike Wallace’s bid to compete in the Daytona 500 for the first time in a decade was thwarted by NASCAR’s approval process, which required recent starts in other series across various track types. The denial was a significant disappointment for Wallace, who had hoped to race in honor of his late wife, Carla.

45. Lamar Jackson Threatens JRM: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s camp filed a trademark opposition against JR Motorsports (JRM) over a stylized logo for their No. 8 car. The argument centered on the perceived similarity to Jackson’s "Era 8" brand, prompting JRM to adopt an older DEI font, thereby resolving the dispute.

44. Chipper Jones v. Joey Logano: A brief, yet memorable, online spat occurred between MLB Hall of Famer Chipper Jones and driver Joey Logano. The exchange began with Jones criticizing Logano’s radio rant and evolved into a playful social media back-and-forth, highlighting the passionate engagement of non-traditional figures in the sport.

43. Stewart Friesen Injured: Stewart Friesen sustained severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis and tibia, in a violent Super DirtCar Modified crash in Quebec. The incident required multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery, forcing Friesen to miss significant racing time and yielding his seat to Kaden Honeycutt in anticipation of his 2026 move to Tricon.

42. Matt Crafton Retires: The 2025 season marked the end of Matt Crafton’s illustrious full-time career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. A three-time champion and holder of the record for most consecutive starts, Crafton leaves a significant legacy as a perennial contender for ThorSport Racing.

41. RAM Returns to NASCAR: The RAM brand, under the ownership of Stellantis, announced its return to NASCAR in 2026, beginning with the Craftsman Truck Series. This move signals a broader re-engagement with the sport, with expectations of a Dodge return to the Cup Series in the coming years, commencing with Kaulig Racing as an anchor partner.

40. The Earnhardt Data Farm Controversy: Plans for a data farm on a portion of the Dale Earnhardt property, intended for the "Mooresville Technology Park," were scuttled following significant backlash from local residents and a concern from Kerry Earnhardt. Tract, the developer, withdrew its proposal due to environmental, noise, and community character concerns.

39. Suarez Wins Mexico Xfinity: Daniel Suarez delivered a triumphant victory in the Xfinity Series race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, igniting a passionate celebration among his home country’s fans. The atmosphere at the track was described as electric, underscoring the growing international appeal of NASCAR.

38. Elliott Named Most Popular Driver Again: Chase Elliott secured his eighth consecutive Most Popular Driver award, further cementing his status as a generational favorite. This remarkable streak places him in the company of legends like Bill Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr., continuing a family dynasty of fan recognition that dates back to 1991.

37. Larson Swears Off The Double: Following a challenging 2025 Indianapolis 500, Kyle Larson expressed a lack of desire to repeat the "Double" in the future, citing difficulties in recent attempts. His Indy 500 participation in 2025 ended with a crash, while a pit road speeding penalty in 2024 led to him missing the Coca-Cola 600, drawing scrutiny from NASCAR officials.

36. Cup Returns to Bowman Gray: The NASCAR Cup Series made its return to Bowman Gray Stadium for the inaugural Cook Out Clash exhibition race, marking the first Cup Series event at the historic quarter-mile track since 1971. Chase Elliott’s victory in the event was lauded for its energetic atmosphere and competitive racing.

35. Preece Takes Flight… Again: Ryan Preece experienced another airborne incident at Daytona, flipping during the Great American Race. While Preece called for NASCAR to address car safety, he also embraced the situation with humor, adopting an astronaut persona in response to his recurring aerial mishaps at Daytona.

34. RFK Racing’s Season: RFK Racing expanded to three full-time entries in 2025 but experienced a winless season, missing the playoffs despite showing competitive speed. Brad Keselowski, Ryan Preece, and Chris Buescher consistently finished in the top-10, but a lack of victories and late-season inconsistencies prevented them from advancing.

33. Berry’s First Cup Win: Josh Berry achieved his maiden NASCAR Cup Series victory in 2025, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The win marked a pivotal moment for the driver, signaling his arrival as a contender in the top tier of stock car racing.

32. Dale Jr. Wins as Crew Chief: Dale Earnhardt Jr. achieved a rare feat by winning as a Cup Series crew chief, taking over for the suspended Mardy Lindley. This victory, at Pocono Raceway, made him the ninth individual in NASCAR history to secure wins as a driver, owner, and crew chief.

31. Austin Hill’s Suspension: Austin Hill received a one-race suspension for an intentional on-track incident at Indianapolis. The consequence extended beyond the missed race, as NASCAR’s new policy stripped him of playoff points, significantly impacting his championship aspirations in the Xfinity Series.

30. The In-Season Challenge: The inaugural five-week In-Season Challenge provided a compelling summer diversion, culminating in Ty Gibbs’ victory. The bracket-style tournament generated memorable moments, including Ty Dillon’s unexpected run to the finals, underscoring the appeal of the substantial prize money.

29. The Roval Finish: The Charlotte Roval playoff race produced a dramatic finish, with Joey Logano advancing after a controversial incident involving Ross Chastain and Denny Hamlin. Chastain’s spin of Hamlin, intended to gain a position, had unintended consequences for Hamlin’s playoff standing.

28. Zilisch Wins and Falls: Connor Zilisch celebrated a victory at Watkins Glen with a premature slip and fall from his car, resulting in a broken collarbone. Despite the injury, he was medically cleared to race and competed in subsequent events, including a win at Daytona.

27. Kligerman at Daytona: Parker Kligerman achieved two victories at Daytona in 2025, though neither was statistically credited to him. He won the Truck Series season opener but was disqualified, and later took over for an injured Connor Zilisch in the Xfinity Series, driving to victory without taking the green flag.

26. Hocevar’s Work in Progress: Carson Hocevar continued to showcase potential at Spire Motorsports but also drew criticism from veteran competitors for his aggressive driving. Incidents at Atlanta led to admonishments from drivers like Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch, highlighting his ongoing development as a Cup Series driver.

25. Suarez Out, Zilisch In: Daniel Suarez, a race winner for Trackhouse Racing, was replaced by rising star Connor Zilisch, who earned a full-time Cup Series ride. Suarez subsequently signed with Spire Motorsports, signaling a significant driver market shift.

24. CW Takes Over Xfinity: The NASCAR Xfinity Series enjoyed a successful transition to The CW, providing over-the-air broadcasts for the first time in the division’s history. The broadcast team of Adam Alexander, Parker Kligerman, and Jamie McMurray garnered praise, and the series averaged over a million viewers.

23. Helio at the Daytona 500: IndyCar and sports car legend Hélio Castroneves made his Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500 under the new Open Exemption Provisional rule. While his run ended in a crash, his participation highlighted NASCAR’s efforts to honor racing legends.

22. The Legacy, Rick Ware Lawsuit: A legal dispute between Legacy Motor Club and Rick Ware Racing over a disputed NASCAR charter sale reached a settlement in September. The agreement involved Ware providing Legacy a charter for 2026, which Legacy would then lease to RFK Racing.

21. Heim’s Dominant Season: Corey Heim delivered a historically dominant season in the Truck Series, securing 12 wins, 19 top-five, and 21 top-10 finishes in 25 races. His championship victory, alongside crew chief Scott Zipadelli, marked a significant achievement.

20. Love Denies Zilisch: Jesse Love clinched the championship in a hard-fought season against Connor Zilisch. While Zilisch posted an impressive 10 wins, Love secured the title by winning the season opener and the championship finale.

19. San Diego Street Course Announced: NASCAR announced its next street course race will be held at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego from June 19-21, 2026, featuring all three national touring divisions on a circuit designed around military landmarks.

18. Rodney Childers’ Season: A whirlwind year for crew chief Rodney Childers saw him part ways with Spire Motorsports, contribute to Kevin Harvick Inc. in the CARS Tour, and ultimately land an Xfinity Series opportunity with JR Motorsports, working with a split driver lineup.

17. Bubba Wallace’s Resurgent Season: Bubba Wallace experienced a career resurgence in 2025, marked by a victory in the Brickyard 400 and consistent performances. His public display of mental fortitude and enjoyment of the sport resonated with fans.

16. Byron Wins Daytona 500 Again: William Byron became the first driver since Denny Hamlin to win back-to-back Daytona 500s, taking the lead on the final restart and navigating a last-lap incident to secure his second career victory in the Great American Race.

15. SVG’s Season: Shane van Gisbergen continued his impressive transition to NASCAR, securing five wins on road and street courses. His growing proficiency on ovals also became evident, positioning him as a strong playoff contender.

14. Bristol Night Race Thriller: Goodyear’s efforts to replicate the gripping conditions of the 2024 spring race at Bristol resulted in a race-of-the-year contender for the Night Race. Christopher Bell’s victory was part of a highly competitive event featuring numerous lead changes and cautions.

13. Coke 600 Delivers Again: The Coca-Cola 600 remained a marquee event, with Ross Chastain capturing victory from the rear of the field. The race provided a thrilling duel with William Byron, who dominated large portions of the event, alongside significant crashes and mechanical failures.

12. Chase Briscoe’s Season: Chase Briscoe and crew chief James Small delivered a strong performance for Joe Gibbs Racing, securing three wins and a final four appearance. Their combined efforts silenced doubters and signaled a promising future for the No. 19 team.

11. NASCAR Goes to Mexico: The Cup and Xfinity Series visited Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in June, marking NASCAR’s return to international points racing for the Cup Series since 1958. Despite logistical challenges, the event was a significant success, generating substantial enthusiasm.

10. JR Motorsports’ Cup Debut: JR Motorsports, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, made its long-awaited Cup Series debut with Justin Allgaier. The team secured a top-10 finish in the Daytona 500, benefiting from technical support from Hendrick Motorsports and sponsorship from Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey.

9. Prime Wows Audience: Amazon Prime Video’s debut as an exclusive streaming partner for NASCAR races was met with widespread acclaim. The broadcast, featuring Adam Alexander, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Steve Letarte, along with a studio show with Corey Lajoie and Carl Edwards, was praised for its quality and nostalgic approach.

8. Goodyear’s Contributions: Goodyear played a crucial role in enhancing the on-track product, particularly on short tracks and road courses. The tire provider’s focus on increased tire wear, pushing the boundaries of safe production, was vital in improving racing dynamics, especially with an upcoming horsepower increase.

7. Kansas Cup Playoff Finish: The Cup Series playoff race at Kansas Speedway was a pivotal event, marked by intense battles and strategic maneuvers. Chase Elliott emerged victorious amidst a chaotic race that saw playoff contenders jockeying for position, including a notable confrontation between Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin.

6. Hamlin’s 60th Win at Vegas: Denny Hamlin achieved a significant milestone, securing his 60th career Cup Series win at Las Vegas. The victory, dedicated to his father, was a display of raw emotion and marked a step toward Hall of Fame induction, garnering a rare show of fan appreciation.

5. Larson Wins Second Kyle Larson secured his second Cup Series championship, capping a season where he scored three wins and amassed the most points. His consistent performance throughout the year highlighted his dominance, though the championship moment was somewhat overshadowed by other events.

4. Hamlin Denied Championship: Denny Hamlin came within three laps of his first Cup Series championship but a late tire failure and subsequent pit stop strategy ultimately cost him the title. Kyle Larson capitalized on the opportunity to secure the win, leaving Hamlin to express profound disappointment.

3. The Playoff Argument: The season-long debate over NASCAR’s playoff format dominated conversations. NASCAR’s establishment of an industry panel to discuss potential changes for 2026 fueled continuous discussion about a playoff versus a season-long championship system, with indications pointing towards a modified playoff structure.

2. The Lawsuit: The legal battle between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR on antitrust grounds remained a prominent storyline throughout the year. Daily legal filings and pre-trial appearances kept the sport’s stakeholders engaged with the proceedings leading up to the trial.

1. The Trial: The 15-month legal process culminated in a highly anticipated trial, intended to determine if NASCAR had misused its market power in charter negotiations. The courtroom drama, featuring top antitrust attorneys, concluded on its ninth day with a settlement that established permanent charters, revised governance, and undisclosed financial terms, marking a significant turning point for the sport’s structure.