The 2025 NASCAR season is set to deliver intense rivalries and thrilling finishes. Let’s look into the ten drivers most likely to define the season, exploring their skills, team support, and the factors making them the ones to watch. We’ve got established champions and ambitious young drivers ready to battle for the top spot.
Chase Elliott
2024 saw Chase Elliott emerge as one of NASCAR’s most consistent forces. His mastery of road courses and the mental focus needed during high-pressure moments kept him in contention throughout the playoffs. Elliott’s long-standing partnership with Hendrick Motorsports has created a synergy between driver and team that ensures top-notch performance every weekend.
Kyle Larson
A nail-biting conclusion to 2024 left Kyle Larson just shy of the title, but his sheer versatility promises that he’ll be a top contender once again. Larson is known for excelling on dirt tracks, showcasing a skill set unmatched in modern NASCAR. Hendrick Motorsports has addressed key performance issues in the offseason, particularly focusing on late-race consistency.
Ross Chastain
Known for his bold overtakes and calculated risks, Chastain turned chaotic races into career-defining victories in 2024. Trackhouse Racing has invested heavily in refining its engineering and race-day strategy, giving Chastain a stronger platform to succeed. His ability to stay aggressive while learning when to dial it back is maturing.
Christopher Bell
With a calm approach to racing, Christopher Bell continues to impress fans and analysts alike. Bell excels on technical tracks, where precision is key, and his car, fine-tuned by Joe Gibbs Racing, maximizes his performance. If he can translate this skill to superspeedways, Bell could emerge as an even more formidable contender in 2025.
Denny Hamlin
As both a driver and team co-owner at Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin enters 2025 with a laser focus on achieving his long-sought title. He thrives on superspeedways and has a remarkable ability to read the field, making critical moves at the right moment. At 42, Hamlin is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid.
Tyler Reddick
Tyler’s win at Texas in 2024, where he outmaneuvered seasoned veterans, highlighted his fearlessness and growing confidence. Driving for 23XI Racing, Reddick benefits from advanced tech and strategic insight. His adaptability on diverse tracks and aggressive racing style make him one of the strongest dark horses.
Joey Logano
When the pressure is on, Joey Logano delivers his best performances. The Penske Racing veteran has built a career on clutch playoff performances, leveraging his strategic brilliance to secure two Cup Series championships. Although mechanical setbacks hampered his 2024 campaign, Penske has focused on reliability improvements for 2025.
William Byron
Securing multiple wins in 2024, Byron proved he can compete against the best. His ability to analyze his weaknesses and improve has made him a favorite within Hendrick Motorsports. Backed by an exceptional engineering team, Byron is entering 2025, poised to challenge for his first championship. With his upward trajectory, he could become one of NASCAR’s biggest stars.
Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney showcased remarkable consistency throughout the 2024 season, frequently securing top-10 finishes despite falling short of victory lane. Team Penske has worked diligently in the offseason to fine-tune his performance, especially on intermediate tracks where he struggled. Moreover, his calculated aggression and patience keep him in contention during high-stakes races.
Bubba Wallace
Last season’s win at Talladega highlighted Bubba’s expertise on superspeedways, and his progress on intermediate tracks has been notable. Driving for 23XI Racing, Wallace has access to some of the best equipment in NASCAR. If he continues to refine his approach, Wallace could break into the upper echelon of drivers by year’s end.
10 NASCAR Drivers Ready to Dominate the 2025 Racing Season