The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series delivered remarkable stories and standout performances, with Kyle Larson at the forefront, dominating lap leads and ultimately clinching the championship. The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series highlights encompassed record-breaking races and critical victories that stood out in recent stock car history.
Kyle Larson Dominates With Record Lap Leads
During the 2025 season, only five drivers managed to lead more than 80 percent of the laps in a single race, an achievement not seen since 1994. Kyle Larson’s dominance was apparent at the Bristol event in April, where he led 82.20% of the race, and again at Kansas in May, where he was in front for 82.77% of the distance. Teammate William Byron also joined this elite group by leading 81.82% of the Darlington race that same April. Additionally, Shane van Gisbergen controlled 88.18% of the laps at Sonoma in July.
William Byron and Shane van Gisbergen Join the Record Setters
While Larson stood above the rest for his overall consistency, William Byron and Shane van Gisbergen each delivered their own memorable runs. Byron’s showing at Darlington highlighted Hendrick Motorsports’ strength. Van Gisbergen’s impressive control at Sonoma made his name a staple among the season’s top performers.
Chase Briscoe’s Remarkable Debut with Joe Gibbs Racing
Chase Briscoe experienced a strong debut season for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025, having joined the team to drive for Toyota. Briscoe finished an impressive third in the final points standings, collecting three wins, 15 top-five results, and tallying 19 top-ten finishes during the season.
Kyle Larson Secures NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Kyle Larson emerged as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion, capping off his campaign despite crossing the line in third place, trailing behind race winner Ryan Blaney and second-place Brad Keselowski. Notably, Larson finished higher than all other championship contenders, cementing his title.
“We didn’t lead a lap and won the championship,” Kyle Larson said in his post-race interview (via ESPN). “We had an average car at best and had the right front go down, lost a lap and got the wave around, saved by the caution with the wave around. It’s just unbelievable. What a year by this motorsports team.”
Looking Ahead: The Cook Out Clash and the Upcoming Calendar
Next for Larson and the competition will be the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Set for February 1, 2026, the 200-lap opener will launch the new season, broadcast on FOX, with radio updates from MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Larson Eyes a Return to the Legendary Rolex 24
Kyle Larson expressed strong interest in participating again in the prestigious Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona International Speedway. Although he has not competed in the IMSA season-opening event since 2016, he found early success there, notably taking overall victory in 2015 alongside Chip Ganassi, Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Jamie McMurray. Recently, speaking on the Dinner with Racers podcast with hosts Ryan Eversley and Sean Heckman, Larson reflected on what the event means to him.
“I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I’d do it again,” Larson told podcast co-hosts Ryan Eversley and Sean Heckman. “I had fun those three years I did it. I didn’t want to keep doing it every year.”
“It’s been so long since I ran it that you almost get to the point where you forget a little bit about it, right? And I just remember having a blast doing that race, so I just want to go there and relive it,” he further added.
While no official confirmation for his 2026 Rolex 24 return has emerged, the event is scheduled for January 24-25, 2026 at Daytona, keeping fans and the motorsports community eager to see if Larson takes on the endurance challenge once again.
Impact of the 2025 Season and What Lies Ahead
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series highlights demonstrated the skill and versatility of drivers like Kyle Larson, William Byron, Shane van Gisbergen, and Chase Briscoe. Their accomplishments signaled a season marked by historic achievements, tight competition, and new narratives. As fans look forward to the Cook Out Clash and the 2026 racing calendar, all eyes will be on Larson to see if he can replicate his success, and whether other championship contenders like Ryan Blaney and Brad Keselowski can rise to the challenge in another memorable NASCAR season.
Most dominated races in 2025:
Five races saw a driver lead over 80% of the laps this season, the most in a year since 1994 pic.twitter.com/NnRFLmZ1Hc
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) December 24, 2025
