As we look ahead to the 2025 NASCAR season, the excitement and anticipation among racing enthusiasts continue to build.
These are some of the most compelling drivers poised to make an impact this year, showcasing their achievements and potential as they prepare to hit the track. From seasoned champions to rising stars, these athletes bring a blend of skill, determination, and charisma to the NASCAR circuit that promises thrilling competition and unforgettable moments.
1. Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson continues to dominate NASCAR, leading the 2024 Cup Series with six wins and 1,699 laps led. His versatility shines through his success in various racing disciplines, including a third Chili Bowl Nationals victory in 2025. Larson’s aggressive driving style and exceptional car control make him a formidable competitor on any track.
2. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin remains a top contender, with 54 Cup Series wins including three Daytona 500 victories. He’s set to make his 20th consecutive Daytona 500 start in 2025, showcasing his consistency and longevity. Hamlin’s road course skills and playoff experience make him a constant threat for championships.
3. Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott kicked off 2025 with a dominant win at The Clash, leading 171 of 200 laps. The 2020 Cup champion narrowly missed the Championship 4 in 2024, finishing 7th in points with one win and the best average finish (11.7) among full-time drivers. Elliott’s consistency and late-season surge position him as a top contender for 2025.
4. William Byron
William Byron, the 27-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver, has emerged as a top contender in NASCAR. He won the 2024 Daytona 500 and secured three victories that season. Byron’s consistency landed him in the Championship 4, finishing third in points. With 13 career wins, he’s poised for continued success in 2025.
5. Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, continues to impress in 2025. With 13 career wins and back-to-back Championship 4 appearances, Blaney’s consistent performance and strategic racing make him a top contender. His recent success, including victories at Iowa and Martinsville, solidifies his position among NASCAR’s elite drivers.
Source: [Team Penske](https://www.teampenske.com/drivers/index.cfm/4401/Ryan_Blaney/1000)
6. Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, remains one of NASCAR’s most talented drivers. Despite a winless 2024 season, Busch’s 63 career Cup wins and 231 total NASCAR victories showcase his enduring skill. As he enters 2025 with Richard Childress Racing, Busch aims to bounce back and add to his impressive legacy.
7. Joey Logano
Joey Logano enters 2025 as a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, having secured titles in 2018, 2022, and 2024. At 34, he’s already among the sport’s elite with 36 career victories. Logano’s aggressive driving style and consistent performance make him a perennial championship contender, aiming for a record-tying fourth title this season.
8. Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell, the 30-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing star, continues to impress in NASCAR. In 2024, he secured three Cup Series wins and made the Championship 4 for the third consecutive year. Bell’s versatility shines as he returns to dirt racing, recently competing in Super Late Models and the ASA STARS National Tour, showcasing his diverse racing skills.
9. Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick has quickly become a force in NASCAR, securing a spot in the 2024 Championship 4. Driving for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, Reddick won at Homestead-Miami Speedway to advance. With three wins in 2024 and improving stats, Reddick is solidifying his place among NASCAR’s elite drivers.
10. Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain has emerged as a formidable force in NASCAR, securing five victories in the past three seasons. Known for his aggressive driving style and the infamous “Hail Melon” move, Chastain continues to be a top contender. As he enters the 2025 season with Trackhouse Racing, he aims to build on his success and make another Championship 4 appearance.
11. Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 Cup Series champion, remains a formidable force in NASCAR. With 34 career victories, including the 2023 regular season championship, Truex continues to showcase his skill and consistency. Though he announced his retirement from full-time racing in 2024, he’s set to make a comeback for the 2025 Daytona 500.
12. Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver for RFK Racing, remains a formidable competitor. In 2024, he secured a win at Darlington and finished 13th in points. Keselowski’s experience and leadership continue to drive RFK’s resurgence. As he prepares for his 16th Daytona 500 in 2025, Keselowski aims to add the prestigious race to his impressive resume.
13. Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman’s 2024 season showcased his potential, with a career-high 17 top-10 finishes and a win at the Chicago Street Course. His versatility across different track types and consistent improvement make him a driver to watch in 2025. Bowman’s resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks highlight his competitive spirit.
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14. Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace has made significant strides in recent years, securing two Cup Series victories and reaching the playoffs in 2023. Known for his advocacy and as the only full-time African American driver in NASCAR’s top series, Wallace continues to improve his performance with 23XI Racing. He’s poised for a strong 2025 season, aiming to build on his recent successes.
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15. Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion, retired from full-time racing in 2023 with an impressive 60 wins. Known for his consistency, Harvick made 14 consecutive playoff appearances, the longest streak in Cup Series history. In 2025, he’ll race against his son Keelan in select events, showcasing his enduring passion for the sport.
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