Is this the year a driver finally breaks Team Penske’s stranglehold on the NASCAR Cup Series championship? After Joey Logano’s improbable title run in 2024, the 2025 season is shaping up to be highly unpredictable. It is set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. This season has a revamped schedule. There is a roster shakeup like we haven’t seen in years. A fresh set of rule changes adds to the excitement. This season is thrilling from the start of the green flag at Daytona. It carries excitement through to the checkered flag at Phoenix. So, buckle up and let’s dive into what’s in store for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season!

A New Look for the Schedule

The 2025 season features a schedule with a few twists and turns. For starters, NASCAR is going international! For the first time in Cup Series history, a points-paying race will be held outside the United States. The series is heading south of the border to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. This bold move shows NASCAR’s ambition to expand its global footprint. NASCAR wants to bring the thrill of stock car racing to new audiences.  

But the international foray isn’t the only change. The playoffs have also undergone a refresh, with three new tracks joining the mix: Darlington, Gateway, and New Hampshire . These tracks present a diverse set of challenges to the playoffs. Darlington is known for the treacherous “Lady in Black.” Gateway features a high-speed oval. New Hampshire offers a flat, technical layout. Phoenix Raceway is once again hosting the Championship Race. Drivers must be versatile and adaptable. They need to conquer this diverse playoff slate.  

Speaking of conquering, let’s not forget about the Daytona Duels! These qualifying races, held on Thursday, February 13th, will set the starting lineup for the Daytona 500. Duel 1 starts at 7:00 pm ET, followed by Duel 2 at 8:45 pm ET. Both races will be broadcast on FS1, giving fans a taste of the action before the main event .  

And for those who like to plan their viewing in advance, here’s a handy table summarizing the broadcast schedule and announcing teams:

Broadcaster	Races	Dates	Announcing Team
FOX	14 (including Clash and All-Star Race)	Feb. 2 – May 18	Mike Joy (play-by-play), Kevin Harvick (analysis), Clint Bowyer (analysis)
Amazon Prime Video	5	May 25 – June 22	Adam Alexander (play-by-play), Steve Letarte (analysis), Dale Earnhardt Jr (analysis)
TNT/Max	5	June 28 – July 27	Adam Alexander (play-by-play), Steve Letarte (analysis), Dale Earnhardt Jr (analysis)
NBC/USA	14 (including all playoff races)	Aug. 3 – Nov. 2	Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), Steve Letarte (analysis), Jeff Burton (analysis)

It’s worth noting that this season marks the beginning of a new era in team ownership. With the implementation of the new charter agreement, teams are now limited to a maximum of three charters . This change aims to create a more level playing field and prevent any single organization from dominating the sport. Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing both currently hold four charters. They are grandfathered into the new agreement. This shift in ownership structure could have long-term implications for the competitive landscape of NASCAR.  

New Faces in New Places: Driver and Team Changes

The off-season saw a flurry of driver moves, shaking up the competitive landscape and creating some intriguing storylines. Here’s a rundown of some of the most notable changes:

• Stewart-Haas Racing is no more. The once-powerful team has been rebranded as Haas Factory Team. It is now downsized to a single car. Cole Custer is the driver. This downsizing marks the end of an era for Stewart-Haas Racing and raises questions about the team’s future competitiveness.
• Musical chairs at Stewart-Haas Racing (now Haas Factory Team). Chase Briscoe moves to Joe Gibbs Racing. Josh Berry joins Wood Brothers Racing. Noah Gragson heads to Front Row Motorsports. Ryan Preece lands at RFK Racing. This mass exodus of drivers could lead to a period of adjustment. Both the drivers and their new teams may experience this transition. Their performance may be affected early in the season.  
• Shane van Gisbergen takes the plunge. Van Gisbergen achieved a stunning victory in his NASCAR debut at the 2023 Chicago Street Race. Now, he will compete full-time in the Cup Series. He will drive the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing. Van Gisbergen’s talent is undeniable. However, he might face a steep learning curve. He needs to adapt to the different tracks and cars in NASCAR. His success will likely depend on how quickly he learns. It also depends on how well he adjusts to the demands of a full-time Cup Series schedule.
• Michael Jordan expands his team. 23XI Racing adds a third car with Riley Herbst taking the wheel . This expansion shows Michael Jordan’s growing commitment to NASCAR and adds another competitive element to the field.  
• Ty Dillon replaces Daniel Hemric in the No. 10 Chevy at Kaulig Racing. Hemric has moved down to the Truck Series. This move opens the door for Dillon to make his mark in the Cup Series.  
• A changing of the guard. 2017 Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. has announced his retirement from full-time racing. This marks the end of an era for one of NASCAR’s most respected drivers. It opens up a spot for the next generation of stars to shine.  

These changes, along with several others, will create exciting battles on the track. They will keep fans on the edge of their seats all season long..  

Rule Changes: Shaking Things Up

NASCAR has introduced significant rule changes for the 2025 season. These changes aim to enhance competition and create more excitement for fans. Here are some of the key changes:

• In-season tournament: Get ready for March Madness, NASCAR style! An in-season tournament will take place during the summer. Three seeding races will occur. The first race will be held at Michigan International Speedway on June 8th. The second race is scheduled for Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 15th. Finally, the third race will take place at Pocono Raceway on June 22nd. The tournament will have five races. The first race will occur on the weekend of June 28th in Atlanta. The second race will be on July 6th in Chicago. The third race is scheduled for July 13th in Sonoma (formally Sears Point). The fourth race will happen on July 20th in Dover. The final race will be on July 27th in Indianapolis. This tournament could distract drivers and teams in the middle of the season. It may affect their focus on the regular season points race. 
• Open Exemption Provisional: This rule creates a 41st starting spot for special entrants in certain races. It allows accomplished drivers from other racing disciplines to compete in the Cup Series. This change could lead to more than 40 cars competing in a race. This is different from recent years. It could be a potential source of excitement and unpredictability.  
• Xfinity Fastest Lap: In the Xfinity Series, the driver who sets the fastest single lap in each race. They earn an extra point for this achievement. This rule adds another layer of strategy and excitement to the Xfinity Series races.  
• Revamped practice and qualifying: Practice sessions will be longer, and qualifying will feature a single round for all drivers . These changes aim to give teams more time to prepare their cars and drivers for the races.  
• Adjusted Damaged Vehicle Policy: Damaged cars can now be repaired in the garage. They can continue racing, adding a new strategic element to the races. This rule could lead to more aggressive driving. Drivers know they have a chance to repair their cars and continue racing even after an incident.  
• Playoff waiver penalty: Drivers who receive a playoff waiver for missing a race for non-permissible reasons (i.e., not medical reasons, birth of a child, family emergency, or age restrictions) will forfeit all playoff points they earned in the regular season . This rule might discourage drivers from missing races for non-approved reasons, as it could significantly hurt their championship chances .  
• Changes to the Camaro ZL1 body: Chevrolet will continue to use the Camaro ZL1 body without the Camaro branding. The manufacturer discontinued the car after 2023. The cars will simply be branded as “ZL1.”  
• Emphasis on short-track tires: NASCAR and Goodyear are developing softer tires for short tracks. Their goal is to create more tire wear and strategy in those races.  
• Deferral of suspensions: Suspensions resulting from technical penalties may be deferred, without appeal, to the next race following the penalty. All other suspensions take effect immediately .  
• Penalties for OEMs: Rules violations by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) may result in a loss of manufacturer points. They may also lead to a reduction in wind tunnel testing time. Additionally, there could be fewer computational fluid dynamics (CFD) test runs. 

These rule changes add another layer of intrigue to the season. They keep fans guessing until the very end. .  

Championship Contenders and Dark Horses

Predicting a NASCAR champion is always a tricky business, but based on past performance, current form, and expert analysis, here are some of the drivers who could be in the mix for the 2025 title:

• Kyle Larson: With six wins in 2024, Larson is a perennial contender and a favorite for the championship . His aggressive driving style and ability to adapt to different track types make him a constant threat.  
• Christopher Bell: Bell has consistently been in the championship hunt and is poised for another strong season . His rivalry with Larson is also something to watch, as they are both considered top contenders .  
• Ryan Blaney: Blaney consistently wins races. He is a threat at any track and always a force to be reckoned with. Some analysts even favor him to win the championship. The final race is being held at Phoenix Raceway, where Team Penske has excelled in recent years.  
• William Byron: After back-to-back Championship 4 appearances, Byron is looking to take the next step and win it all . He started the 2024 season strong, and if he can maintain that momentum, he could be a serious contender.  
• Tyler Reddick: Reddick’s aggressive driving style and consistent performance make him a dark horse contender. He surprised many by winning the regular season championship in 2024. He could be a threat to win it all this year.  
• Chase Elliott: Elliott has yet to return to his dominant form after an injury-plagued 2023. He showed signs of improvement in 2024. If he can regain his consistency, he could be a factor in the championship race.  
• Connor Zilisch: The 18-year-old rookie is turning heads with his impressive performance in the Xfinity Series. He won his debut race at Watkins Glen International. It might be too early to consider him a championship contender. However, he could be a dark horse to watch for surprises. 

Of course, there are always surprises in NASCAR. Drivers like Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin could also find themselves in the championship mix .  

Key Storylines to Follow

With so many changes and new faces, the 2025 season is brimming with compelling storylines. Here are a few to keep an eye on:

• Can Kyle Busch bounce back? The two-time champion had a winless 2024 season. He will be looking to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. His move to Richard Childress Racing adds another layer of intrigue to this storyline. He’ll be driving for a new team. He will have a different car and crew.  
• Will Denny Hamlin finally win a championship? The veteran driver is still searching for his first Cup Series title. He has a new crew chief, so the pressure is on. Some analysts believe that losing his long-time crew chief, Chris Gabehart, might hurt his chances. Others remain optimistic about his potential with new crew chief Chris Gayle.  
• Can Ty Gibbs break through? After a strong rookie season, Gibbs will be aiming to secure his first Cup Series win. Gibbs has a new crew chief, Tyler Allen. He wants to build on his early success. He aims to establish himself as a consistent winner. 
• Can Chase Elliott return to championship form? After an injury-plagued 2023, Elliott showed glimpses of his old self in 2024. Can he return to championship contention in 2025? Elliott has a new sponsor, Amazon Prime Video. This will give him plenty of support. He aims to reclaim his spot at the top of the sport.  
• Who will be the top dog at Hendrick Motorsports? The battle between Kyle Larson and William Byron for supremacy within the team will be one to watch. Both drivers have been consistently strong in recent years. Their rivalry could push them to even greater heights in 2025. 

These storylines, along with many others, will provide plenty of drama and excitement throughout the season .  

New Sponsors: Fueling the Competition

The 2025 season also welcomes some new sponsors to the sport, bringing fresh energy and investment to the teams. Here’s a table summarizing the notable new partnerships:

Sponsor	Team/Driver	Notes
Shady Rays	23XI Racing	Official sunglasses provider for the team and drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick
Amazon Prime Video	Hendrick Motorsports (Chase Elliott)	Multi-year deal to sponsor the No. 9 car
New Era Caps	Hendrick Motorsports	Official headwear partner
Grizzly Nicotine Pouches	Kaulig Racing (Ty Dillon)	Primary sponsor for nine races
Raptor Tools	Hendrick Motorsports (William Byron)	Primary sponsor for 12 races
Axalta Coating Systems	Hendrick Motorsports (William Byron)	Primary sponsor for 7 races, including the Daytona 500
HP, Liberty University, Valvoline	Hendrick Motorsports (William Byron)
Campbell’s	Joe Gibbs Racing	Partner for the 2025 season
Traveller Whiskey	JR Motorsports (Justin Allgaier)	Sponsor for the Daytona 500
Winchester Repeating Arms Company	Richard Childress Racing (Austin Dillon)	Joining Bass Pro Shops as a sponsor
SunnyD	Hyak Motorsports (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.)	Multi-year deal for 5 races
Rush Truck Centers	Front Row Motorsports (Noah Gragson)	Sponsor for 8 races
King’s Hawaiian	Joe Gibbs Racing (Denny Hamlin)
National Debt Relief	Joe Gibbs Racing (Denny Hamlin)	Sponsor for 4 races
Red Bull	Trackhouse Racing (Nos. 87 and 88 cars)	Sponsor for 6 races
Saia	Joe Gibbs Racing (Ty Gibbs)	Multi-year deal for 7 races
PPG Paints	Wood Brothers Racing (Josh Berry)	Sponsor for the Brickyard 400

NASCAR is building new partnerships. NASCAR is actively seeking a fourth premier partner to join Busch Beer, Coca-Cola, and Xfinity. This search follows GEICO’s departure after the 2024 season . Aaron’s is also expected to return to the sport as a sponsor for Front Row Motorsports . These new sponsorships, along with many others, demonstrate the continued growth and appeal of NASCAR .  

Legal Battles and Controversies

Off the track, a legal battle is brewing between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR . The lawsuit centers around the sport’s charter system and could have significant implications for team ownership and competition. The outcome of this lawsuit could potentially change the number of chartered cars in a race. It could also force 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to field some cars as open entries. This legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the 2025 season. Fans and industry insiders will closely watch the proceedings.  

Prediction

Here is my personal prediction of how the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs will look like. *All drivers are entered in numerical order*

Conclusion: Get Ready for an Epic Season!

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is poised to be a year of dramatic changes, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Drivers will battle for every position. They will compete from the international stage of Mexico City. They will race on the high banks of Daytona and the short tracks of Martinsville and New Hampshire. They will fight for every point. There are new faces in new places. The innovative rule changes are exciting. Fresh sponsorships also contribute to the mix. The 2025 season has all the ingredients for an epic championship battle.

Will Kyle Larson continue his winning ways? Can Christopher Bell finally claim the title? Will Ryan Blaney or William Byron add another championship to their resumes? Or will a dark horse emerge from the pack to surprise everyone?

One thing is certain: the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season will be one you won’t want to miss. So, tune in, cheer on your favorite drivers, and get ready for a season of high-octane action and edge-of-your-seat excitement. The green flag is about to drop, and the race for the 2025 Cup Series championship is on! What are your predictions for the season? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Sources and related content