NASCAR’s 2025 Season: A Chronicle of Triumph, Turmoil, and Transformation

The 2025 NASCAR season concluded as a tapestry woven with threads of exhilarating competition, significant industry shifts, and the enduring impact of loss. From the high-octane battles on superspeedways to the intricate strategies on short tracks, the year was defined by remarkable performances, pivotal legal proceedings, and a champion who once again ascended to the sport’s pinnacle. Kyle Larson secured his second career NASCAR Cup Series title, a feat that capped a season where the very framework of championship determination became a subject of intense industry-wide debate, with driver Denny Hamlin frequently at the epicenter of these discussions.

The season officially commenced with the acknowledgement of significant figures lost to the NASCAR community. The tragic loss of Greg Biffle, Cristina Grossu, Emma Biffle, Ryder Biffle, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth in a plane crash, just a week prior to the passing of Dennis Hamlin Sr. in a house fire, cast a somber shadow. The year also marked the departure of Rick "Otis" Hodges. The motorsport journalism world mourned the loss of legendary journalist Al Pearce in the same week as admired championship-winning team owner Shige Hattori. Bill Davis, owner of a Daytona 500-winning team, passed in September. The community also remembered team owners Bill Baumgardner, Travis Carter, Charlie Henderson, and Larry McClure, as well as valued crew members Steve ‘Birdie’ Bird and Zach Yager. Drivers Martin Truex Sr., Wayne Andrews, Phil Barkdoll, and Rex White were also honored, alongside Xfinity Series winner Michael Annett. The contributions of Jon Edwards, Humpy Wheeler, and Grant Lynch were also recognized for their indelible impact on the sport.

A unique moment of the season arrived with the debut of Bowman Gray Stadium legends Tim Brown and Burt Myers in the pre-season Clash. These celebrated figures, holding the distinction of being the winningest drivers in the history of the historic quarter-mile track, were honored for their lifetime of grassroots accomplishments, offering a romantic glimpse into NASCAR’s foundational roots.

The ARCA Racing Series saw an influx of attention with the participation of Garrett Mitchell, widely known as Cleetus McFarland. The popular YouTuber and amateur racer brought an estimated million additional eyeballs to the sport. His live streams of the Daytona and Talladega events garnered 50,000 and 70,000 live viewers respectively. The Daytona race, broadcast live on FOX, combined with his stream, drew an estimated 1.1 million viewers. While Mitchell’s Daytona debut ended in a crash, he secured top-10 finishes at Talladega and Charlotte, and completed every lap of his final start at Bristol, finishing 17th.

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The Xfinity Series produced a chaotic and controversial race at Martinsville Speedway in the spring. Denny Hamlin described the event as "embarrassing," while Dale Jr. opined that the track "deserves better." Austin Hill secured the victory, but only after a contentious final-corner incident involving Sammy Smith and Taylor Gray. The race was marred by multiple crashes, leading to Sammy Smith incurring a 50-point penalty and a $25,000 fine. NASCAR subsequently communicated to drivers that such a product was unacceptable.

The dream of competing in the Daytona 500 was dashed for Mike Wallace, who had paid Carl Long for a start a decade after his last Cup Series appearance. He was denied entry by NASCAR for failing to meet an approval process requiring starts across various series and track types, having not raced in NASCAR since 2020. His attempt was intended to honor his late wife, Carla, who passed in 2024.

A different kind of dispute emerged when Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s representatives filed an opposition claim with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office concerning a stylized logo used by JR Motorsports for their No. 8 car. The claim alleged similarity to Jackson’s "Era8" brand, potentially causing consumer confusion. JR Motorsports responded by releasing the trademark for the font, having already transitioned to a prior DEI No. 8 font.

A brief, yet notable, online spat occurred between Joey Logano and MLB Hall of Famer Chipper Jones. The exchange began with Jones criticizing Logano’s on-track radio rant about teammate Austin Cindric at Talladega. The social media back-and-forth evolved into playful jabs, with Jones demonstrating his passion for racing as a fan.

Stewart Friesen faced a significant setback due to injuries sustained in a severe Super DirtCar Modified crash at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec. The incident, involving a violent impact with the wall, a flip, and a subsequent collision, resulted in a fractured pelvis and a severely broken right leg, necessitating multiple surgeries and an extensive recovery period. Despite winning a race at Michigan earlier in the season and being a playoff contender, Friesen was sidelined and fielded a car for Kaden Honeycutt.

The 2025 season marked the full-time retirement of Matt Crafton from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. A three-time champion (2013, 2014, 2019) and holder of the record for most consecutive starts, Crafton’s departure concluded a storied career with 15 wins, having been a consistent presence for ThorSport since the turn of the century.

A significant announcement for the future of the sport was the impending return of the RAM brand. Now under the ownership of Stellantis, RAM is set to re-enter NASCAR in 2026 in the Craftsman Truck Series, where it previously competed from 1995 to 2013. This move is seen as a precursor to a potential return of the Dodge brand in the Cup Series in the coming years. Kaulig Racing was confirmed as the first anchor team for RAM’s return.

A controversial proposal to develop parts of Dale Earnhardt’s property into a data farm was withdrawn. Tract, the developer behind the "Mooresville Technology Park" project, rescinded their proposal in August following substantial backlash from local residents, including Kerry Earnhardt. Environmental concerns, noise pollution, and the potential impact on the area’s character were cited as reasons for Tract’s withdrawal, leading local officials to indicate they would not support the project.

Daniel Suarez provided a home crowd with a victory to celebrate, winning the Xfinity Series race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The event generated significant enthusiasm, with the facility reportedly buzzing in a manner that television broadcasts could not fully convey.

Chase Elliott continued his reign as the NASCAR Cup Series’ Most Popular Driver, securing the award for the eighth consecutive year. This consistent recognition mirrors the legacies of drivers like Bill Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr., underscoring Elliott’s enduring connection with the fanbase. The Elliott and Earnhardt families have collectively dominated this award since 1991.

Kyle Larson, while celebrating his championship, indicated a potential departure from the Indianapolis 500. Following his 2025 race, which ended in a crash, Larson expressed a lack of desire to repeat the "Double" attempt, citing previous challenges. This statement suggested a focus on his NASCAR career moving forward.

Bowman Gray Stadium welcomed the NASCAR Cup Series back for the inaugural Cook Out Clash exhibition race in February. The last Cup Series event at the venue predated the modern era, occurring on August 6, 1971. The quarter-mile track, often referred to as NASCAR’s original, was praised for its energy and race quality, with Chase Elliott taking the win.

Ryan Preece experienced a dramatic airborne incident at Daytona International Speedway for the second time in his career, flipping during the Daytona 500. This followed a similar incident in 2023. Preece acknowledged the need for NASCAR to address car aerodynamics while humorously embracing an astronaut persona in response to his aerial encounters at "The World Center of Racing."

RFK Racing experienced a winless season despite expanding to three full-time cars. While showing considerable speed, Brad Keselowski, Ryan Preece, and Chris Buescher consistently finished in the top-10 but were unable to secure a victory, missing the playoffs.

Josh Berry achieved his first career Cup Series win at the Pennzoil 400. The victory marked a significant milestone for the 34-year-old driver, who had a long career in short-track racing. The win was also a significant moment for the Wood Brothers, NASCAR’s oldest team.

Dale Jr. added another accomplishment to his diverse resume, winning as a crew chief. He took over the pit box for JR Motorsports at Pocono Raceway after crew chief Mardy Lindley was suspended. With assistance from Steve Letarte, Dale Jr. became the ninth individual in NASCAR history to achieve wins as a driver, owner, and crew chief.

Austin Hill faced a one-race suspension in July for an intentional contact incident with Aric Almirola at Indianapolis. A new NASCAR policy also resulted in Hill forfeiting all playoff points earned during the regular season, significantly impacting his Xfinity Series playoff run.

The inaugural In-Season Challenge, a five-week bracket tournament, proved to be a noteworthy addition to the season. Ty Gibbs emerged as the winner, but the event generated memorable moments, including Ty Dillon’s Cinderella run to the finals, highlighting the significance of the million-dollar prize.

The Roval playoff race produced a dramatic finish, with Joey Logano advancing to the next round. Ross Chastain’s playoff hopes were dashed by a pit road speeding penalty, leading him to intentionally spin Denny Hamlin on the final lap, believing it would secure his advancement. Hamlin later indicated he would have approached the finish differently had he known Logano’s position.

Connor Zilisch experienced both triumph and setback. He secured a victory at Watkins Glen but suffered a broken collarbone in Victory Lane celebrations. Despite the injury requiring surgery, he was cleared to race less than two weeks later and won at Daytona, with an assist from an unspecified party.

Parker Kligerman achieved two victories at Daytona in 2025 but was not officially credited with either. His Truck Series win with Henderson Motorsports was disqualified due to ride height violations, and he took over for an injured Connor Zilisch in the Xfinity Series, driving to victory but not taking the green flag himself.

Carson Hocevar continued to demonstrate potential at Spire Motorsports but also drew criticism from veteran competitors. Incidents at Atlanta led to strong reactions from Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch, while Zane Smith and Brad Keselowski also voiced frustrations throughout the season.

A significant driver change occurred at Trackhouse Racing as Daniel Suarez was replaced by Connor Zilisch. Suarez, who joined Trackhouse in 2021 and secured wins at Sonoma and Atlanta, was released. Zilisch, after a successful Xfinity Series campaign with JR Motorsports, was promoted to the full-time Cup Series ride in the No. 88 car for 2026. Suarez subsequently signed with Spire Motorsports.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series broadcast on The CW received widespread praise for its throwback feel and accessibility, with every race airing on an over-the-air platform. The broadcast booth of Adam Alexander, Parker Kligerman, and Jamie McMurray was lauded as one of the best across all national touring divisions. The series averaged over a million viewers.

IndyCar and sports car legend Hélio Castroneves made his Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500 under the new Open Exemption Provisional rule. He crashed out of the race while competing for Trackhouse Racing. This rule was designed to provide starting spots for legends, allowing them to compete for sponsorship and fan engagement without impacting points or prize money for qualified drivers.

A legal dispute between Legacy Motor Club (LMC) and Rick Ware Racing (RWR) over a disputed NASCAR charter sale was a significant storyline. LMC alleged RWR attempted to withdraw from a $45 million deal for a 2026 charter. RWR cited a misunderstanding regarding transfer years. The matter was eventually settled, with Ware agreeing to provide LMC with a charter for 2026, which LMC would lease to RFK Racing for their No. 60 team.

Corey Heim delivered a dominant performance in the Truck Series season, securing 12 wins, 19 top-5s, and 21 top-10s in 25 races. His championship season, with crew chief Scott Zipadelli earning his second title, was marked by consistent success and numerous races where Heim could have contended for victory.

In the Xfinity Series championship race, Jesse Love claimed the title over Connor Zilisch. While Love won the championship, Zilisch’s impressive season, marked by 10 wins in 32 starts and a strong average finish, generated significant discussion. Love’s victory in the season opener and the championship finale proved crucial.

NASCAR announced its next street course race will be held at Naval Base Coronado from June 19-21, 2026. This event, featuring all three national touring divisions, will traverse a unique circuit incorporating iconic military landmarks and San Diego Bay. This follows three years of street course racing in Downtown Chicago.

Rodney Childers experienced a transitional year. After parting ways with Spire Motorsports and Justin Haley early in the season, he worked with Kevin Harvick Inc. in the CARS Tour, leading Landen Lewis to a championship. He also found opportunities in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, set to work with Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil in 2026.

Bubba Wallace had a resurgent season, marked by maturity and a clear enjoyment of the sport. He secured a victory in the Brickyard 400 and consistently contended for wins. Despite occasional performance dips and pit road issues, Wallace and new crew chief Charles Denike maintained a positive and even-keeled approach throughout the season.

William Byron achieved a historic feat by winning the Daytona 500 for the second consecutive year, becoming the first driver since Denny Hamlin in 2019-2020 to accomplish this. Byron took the lead on the final restart and navigated the last-lap chaos to secure the victory.

Shane van Gisbergen showcased his road and street course prowess with five Cup Series wins at Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval. He also demonstrated growing proficiency on oval tracks, benefiting from advantageous qualifying draws as a playoff contender.

The Bristol Night Race delivered a highly competitive event, widely considered a race of the year candidate. Goodyear’s efforts to replicate the conditions of the 2024 spring race proved successful, producing 36 lead changes among 14 drivers and 14 cautions, a stark contrast to a lackluster spring event. Christopher Bell was the victor.

The Coke 600 continued its reputation as an entertaining fixture in the NextGen era. Ross Chastain secured the win after starting last, overcoming a dominant William Byron who led a significant portion of the race. The event featured numerous dramatic crashes and mechanical failures.

Chase Briscoe and crew chief James Small silenced doubters with a strong season, delivering three wins, a 12.7 average finish, and seven poles. Their performance culminated in a Championship 4 appearance, signaling a promising future for the No. 19 team.

NASCAR’s return to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for Cup and Xfinity Series races in June was a significant international event, marking the Cup Series’ first points race on foreign soil since 1958. Despite challenges with travel and weather, the event drew substantial attendance and felt like a major occasion.

JR Motorsports made its long-awaited Cup Series debut, 20 years after its inception in the Xfinity Series. The team, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, secured a top-10 finish in the Daytona 500 with Justin Allgaier. The No. 40 Chevrolet received technical support from Hendrick Motorsports and was sponsored by Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey.

Amazon’s Prime Video broadcast of NASCAR races was met with widespread acclaim. The digital streaming partner’s presentation and approach earned praise from both new and traditional fans. The broadcast booth, featuring Adam Alexander, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Steve Letarte, along with the studio show, was lauded for its quality.

Goodyear’s contributions to improving the on-track product were highlighted throughout the season. The tire provider went beyond expectations to enhance racing on short tracks and road courses by increasing tire wear within safe limits, a crucial effort as NASCAR anticipates a horsepower increase.

The Cup playoff race at Kansas Speedway was a tense affair, with Chase Elliott emerging victorious. The race was characterized by aggressive driving and strategic battles, including a controversial encounter between Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell, and Denny Hamlin squeezing Wallace into the wall.

Denny Hamlin achieved his 60th career win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a milestone he prioritized over a Cup Series championship. This victory, dedicated to his ailing father, showcased a rare display of emotion from the veteran driver, resonating with fans.

Kyle Larson secured his second Cup Series championship, following his 2021 title. His three-win campaign and consistent performance throughout the season solidified his championship status, although the victory was somewhat overshadowed by ongoing industry discussions.

Denny Hamlin was on the verge of his first Cup Series championship, leading with three laps remaining, when a tire failure for William Byron altered the race’s complexion. Larson ultimately secured the title, while Hamlin finished sixth, expressing a temporary disinterest in racing before committing to the 2026 season.

The 2025 season was dominated by a pervasive debate surrounding NASCAR’s playoff system. The creation of an industry panel to discuss potential changes for 2026 fueled year-long discussions about the merits of a playoff format versus a season-long championship. NASCAR appeared poised to move away from a single-race winner-take-all finale, likely retaining a playoff structure with a broader sample size.

The entire NASCAR season was frequently overshadowed by legal proceedings in the Western District of North Carolina. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports initiated an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in October of the previous year, leading to numerous legal filings and pre-trial appearances before Judge Kenneth D. Bell.

The culmination of the legal saga was a trial intended to determine if NASCAR had leveraged its monopolistic power to disadvantage teams during charter document extension negotiations. The trial featured prominent antitrust attorneys, with extensive witness examinations. On the ninth day of proceedings, both sides reached a settlement that included permanent charters, revised governance, and undisclosed financial terms, bringing a complex and impactful chapter to a close for the sport.

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