As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Season playoffs unfold, Austin Cindric from Team Penske Racing expressed skepticism about Joe Gibbs Racing’s dominance despite their strong start. With Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin securing back-to-back wins early in the playoffs, JGR appears formidable, but Cindric questions whether this momentum will hold through the remaining races.
Early Playoff Success Shows JGR Strength, But Questions Remain
Joe Gibbs Racing began the 2025 Cup playoffs with impressive performances: Chase Briscoe won the opening race at Darlington, followed by Denny Hamlin’s victory at Gateway. Most of their teammates also finished in the top-10, indicating depth and competitive cars across the team. However, Austin Cindric, an accomplished contender with Team Penske, remains cautious about declaring JGR the clear favorite for the championship.
Speaking on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Cindric acknowledged JGR’s success so far—winning 10 of 28 races this season and led by veteran Hamlin—but highlighted the unpredictability of NASCAR playoffs. He noted the fluctuating strengths of teams and drivers, which makes it difficult to confidently predict who will dominate the remainder of the season.
“You look at the season, it’s really hard to pick [a championship favorite]. The ebbs and flows of who’s at dominate strength, I mean, right now, it’s the Gibbs guys. They’ve started the playoffs off extremely strong with all their playoff cars. But in eight weeks’ time, is that still the same? That’s my biggest question.”
—Austin Cindric, Driver
Cindric emphasized the challenge in forecasting the outcome, especially considering the NASCAR playoff format’s intensity and unpredictability. The strength displayed by JGR now might not guarantee sustained dominance over the final eight races that decide the championship.
Denny Hamlin’s Dual Pursuit Adds Complexity to JGR’s Championship Quest
Denny Hamlin’s role as the season’s winningest driver, with five victories en route to chasing both a championship and a historic milestone, adds further dimension to the title race. Hamlin is aiming for his 60th career Cup Series win while competing for the season crown, making his priorities multifaceted. Cindric sees this duel focus as a possible factor in how the remainder of the playoffs will unfold.
“From what I’ve heard from him talking, Denny sounds just as motivated to get 60 [wins] as he is to get a championship, so it should be interesting to see how that all plays out. I’m not gonna just sit here after the first two playoff races and think, ah, Gibbs has it under control.”
—Austin Cindric, Driver
Hamlin’s veteran status and pursuit of significant career achievements mean his approach may not solely focus on the championship, possibly influencing JGR’s overall strategy during the playoff stretch.
Insight From Bubba Wallace’s Spotter on Hamlin’s Championship Prospects
Freddie Kraft, spotter for Bubba Wallace who drives for 23XI Racing with Hamlin as team owner, shared his perspective within the same discussion. Kraft expects Hamlin to secure at least one more race win before the season concludes but anticipates challenges in reaching and winning the final race due to strong competition, notably from Team Penske.
“I think he does win at least one more [race] before the season ends, but Phoenix is hard. Phoenix is going to be tough because there’s an organization that the guy to my left [Austin Cindric] drives for that’s been pretty (expletive) good there for the last three years and we just need to hope that we can somehow shove them out of the final four to give us a better shot at it.”
—Freddie Kraft, Spotter
Kraft underscored the challenge presented by Phoenix Raceway—an important playoff venue—and acknowledged Team Penske’s consistent strength there, adding to the competitive tensions in the playoff hunt. This highlights how close the battle remains among top contenders as the playoffs progress.
JGR’s Consistency and Momentum Will Be Tested
The No. 11 car driven by Hamlin and its team have demonstrated speed and dependable qualifying performance, suggesting they have what it takes to contend. However, maintaining this momentum is crucial, as the playoffs require not just speed but strategic precision and resilience over several high-pressure events. The championship will hinge on which teams can deliver under this pressure and produce consistently competitive cars through October and November.
While JGR looks currently dominant, Cindric’s doubts reflect a broader uncertainty in the playoff environment, where fortunes can shift quickly. The tightly contested nature of this season promises continued intensity as race winners and teams jostle for the final four spots to compete for the championship.
With eight races left, the NASCAR Cup playoffs remain wide open, and the performances of key figures like Austin Cindric, Denny Hamlin, and their respective teams will define the outcome. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether JGR’s early advantage translates into championship success or if challengers like Team Penske will disrupt their hold on the Cup.
