The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series achievements made for a memorable and emotional season, featuring historic victories and standout breakthroughs across the sport’s iconic tracks. As anticipation builds for the approaching 2026 Daytona 500, fans and competitors alike look back at the triumphs, comebacks, and record-setting performances that defined the latest campaign.
Back-to-Back Glory for William Byron at Daytona
William Byron accomplished a rare feat by winning the Daytona 500 for a second consecutive year. He managed to steer clear of a dramatic last-lap incident triggered by Cole Custer and Denny Hamlin, joining a prestigious group that includes Denny Hamlin, Sterling Marlin, Hall of Famers Cale Yarborough and Richard Petty as the only drivers to claim consecutive victories in the Great American Race. Byron’s repeat places him firmly among the sport’s most elite drivers and set the tone for the entire season.
Christopher Bell’s Winning Streak Sets a Next Gen Milestone
Soon after Byron’s triumph, Christopher Bell fired off a streak of three straight wins at EchoPark Speedway, Circuit of The Americas, and Phoenix. This run marked the first time since the beginning of the Next Gen era that a driver captured three consecutive races, underscoring Bell’s emerging status and his consistency at varying venues. Phoenix’s high drama cemented Bell’s achievement as one of the year’s defining highlights, positioning him as a formidable competitor throughout the season.
Josh Berry Earns Maiden Cup Victory
Josh Berry made headlines by notching his first-ever Cup Series win at the spring race in Las Vegas, only his 53rd start at the top level. A strategic call in the closing stages allowed Berry to pass Daniel Suarez with just 16 laps left, delivering a landmark result in his fifth event with the storied Wood Brothers Racing team. Clinching a playoff berth with this win, Berry’s breakthrough was a feel-good story for the team and its fans.
Ross Chastain’s Historic Climb at Charlotte
Ross Chastain delivered one of the season’s most dramatic drives at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. After suffering a practice crash, he started last in the 40th position but charged through the field, overtaking Byron in the closing laps. His victory marked his first win in a crown jewel race and made him the first driver since Hall of Famer Bobby Allison in 1969 to win after starting last on the grid, reinforcing Chastain’s reputation for resilience and determination.
Shane van Gisbergen Rules International Road Courses
Rookie Shane van Gisbergen brought excitement to the series’ first international points-paying event since 1958, held at Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Winning by an astonishing 16.5 seconds over Christopher Bell, van Gisbergen demonstrated dominant form on road courses. By year’s end, he had claimed five straight road course wins, establishing himself as the driver to beat whenever the schedule took a right-hand turn.
Bubba Wallace Ends Drought at the Brickyard
Bubba Wallace experienced a season-defining moment at Indianapolis’ Brickyard 400, overcoming late rain and holding off 2024 winner Kyle Larson. Wallace’s victory marked his third in NASCAR’s premier series, snapped a winless streak that stretched over 100 races, and locked in his place in the playoffs. The emotional triumph at the Brickyard was met with excitement throughout the NASCAR community.
Ty Gibbs Wins NASCAR’s First In-Season Challenge
In the inaugural In-Season Challenge, NASCAR introduced a new bracket-style tournament. Despite some teething issues with the format, Ty Gibbs emerged victorious by finishing ahead of Ty Dillon in the Brickyard 400 and notching three top-10 results in the five-week span. His efforts earned him a $1 million prize, showcasing Gibbs as one of the brightest young talents of the season.
Chase Briscoe’s Southern 500 Domination
Chase Briscoe replicated his previous year’s Southern 500 triumph by controlling 309 of 367 laps at Darlington. One year after closing out the Stewart-Haas Racing chapter, Briscoe delivered an authoritative performance at Joe Gibbs Racing, solidifying his reputation and securing advancement to the Round of 12 in the playoffs.
Denny Hamlin Reaches 60 Career Wins
Denny Hamlin hit a career milestone by winning the Round of 8 opener in Las Vegas, tallying his 60th Cup Series victory. This accomplishment placed Hamlin among just 11 drivers in the series’ history to reach that exclusive mark, continuing his legacy despite the championship title eluding him once more.
Kyle Larson Secures His Second NASCAR Crown
The championship battle in Phoenix ended with Kyle Larson celebrating his second Cup Series title. Although he did not lead a lap in the final race, strategic decisions after a late caution and a two-tire call allowed him to gain the advantage over Denny Hamlin. Larson’s performance concluded the season with him becoming just the 18th driver to hold multiple series championships, further cementing his place in NASCAR’s upper ranks.
The 2025 season delivered a blend of historic achievements and emotional comebacks, as drivers like William Byron, Christopher Bell, Shane van Gisbergen, Bubba Wallace, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson secured their place in the record books. With each milestone, the series proved its capacity for dramatic moments and rising stars, promising another thrilling chapter as the 2026 Daytona 500 approaches.
