Denny Hamlin continued his dominant run in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series by capturing his fifth win of the season at the World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday, securing his place in the Round of 12. This victory strengthens his ongoing bid for a Championship 4 position, showcasing his consistency and competitive edge. Meanwhile, the prospect of one of his 23XI Racing teammates joining him in contention adds an exciting new layer to the playoff storyline.
Current Playoff Standings and Analysis Heading into Bristol
Following the Enjoy Illinois 300 at Gateway and ahead of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR.com’s Pat DeCola ranks drivers vying for playoff advancement. With the elimination race looming, each contender arrives at Bristol with varying degrees of momentum and point cushions that will determine their fate in the championship chase.
Joe Gibbs Racing Duo Leading the Pack
Denny Hamlin reinforced his playoff credentials by leading 75 laps en route to victory at Gateway, marking his fifth triumph of the year. His longstanding experience and four Bristol wins make him a formidable force as he approaches the short track with confidence, aiming to amass playoff points rather than risking reckless moves. His teammate, Chase Briscoe, also highlighted his resilience by recovering from an earlier setback to finish second, accumulating valuable stage points and maintaining a solid lead in playoff standings. Briscoe’s previous success at Bristol and ability to excel in high-pressure scenarios position him well for an aggressive run as the elimination race approaches.
Kyle Larson’s Consistency Builds Bristol Championship Hopes
Kyle Larson rebounded from a difficult outing at Darlington to finish 12th at Gateway, leaving him comfortably above the cutline with a 60-point buffer. His strong past performances at Bristol, including a commanding 2024 victory where he led a record number of laps, make him one of the favorites to secure advancement by using his short-track expertise. Larson’s team is eager to regain its early-season form, and his Bristol history sets the stage for a pivotal night.
Blaney and Wallace Positioned to Capitalize on Bristol’s Challenges
Ryan Blaney delivered a crucial fourth-place finish at Gateway, extending his lead to 42 points above elimination. Although his Team Penske squad has struggled to win at Bristol over the past decade, Blaney’s skillful short-track racing and focus on avoiding incidents make him a steady contender to survive the cut. Bubba Wallace impressed most notably with an eighth-place finish at Gateway, vaulting him to fourth in overall points and establishing a remarkable 50-point cushion. Despite a relatively weaker Bristol track record, Wallace’s current hot streak and ability to back up strong previous Bristol finishes suggest he could be a sleeper candidate to join the Championship 4 conversation.
Mixed Fortunes for Hendrick Motorsports and Other Title Contenders
The Regular Season Champion preserved his playoff buffer with an 11th-place finish at Gateway, though signs indicate his Hendrick Motorsports squad is still seeking the speed seen earlier this year. With a better Bristol record in recent seasons, this driver and team hope to rise to the occasion under postseason pressure. Similarly, Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell each secured positions that provide a reasonable margin above the cutline heading to Bristol, using solid performances and resilience to bolster their chances. Reddick’s gritty racing style suits Bristol’s physicality, while Bell’s ability to contend near the front could make him a dark horse despite past mechanical and pit road troubles.
Emerging Contenders Eyeing Breakthrough at Bristol
Past champion Chase Elliott notched his best Gateway finish of the season with third place, boosting his playoff advantage to 28 points and showing speed that has been lacking this campaign. Though he has not yet won at Bristol after numerous starts, recent improvements and experience in elimination races make him a significant player. Meanwhile, Tyler Reddick’s position above the cutline remains comfortable despite a 16th-place Gateway result, and his willingness to fight hard at Bristol could secure his access to the Round of 12. Corey LaJoie and Austin Dillon, meanwhile, find themselves hovering near the playoffs’ bubble but maintain optimism thanks to decent Bristol runs and clean-track finishes.
Drivers Facing Elimination Pressure at Bristol
Austin Cindric holds the final playoff spot with an 11-point lead after Gateway, despite an average finish at Bristol in past appearances. His success at this track in previous seasons will be crucial if he hopes to advance. Ross Chastain’s 24th-place finish at Gateway has narrowed his buffer to just 19 points, setting up a high-stakes scenario where his aggressive style could either save him or end his championship aspirations. He faces the difficult decision of balancing risk and caution in the elimination race, which makes him one of Bristol’s most unpredictable competitors.
Countless Challenges for Drivers on the Brink
Van Gisbergen and Bowman are deep in elimination territory after disappointing Gateway finishes, trailing the cutoff line by 15 and 35 points respectively. Van Gisbergen’s relative inexperience on short tracks and lack of strong Bristol performances put him in a difficult position requiring exceptional circumstances to survive. Bowman’s must-win necessity confronts a struggling pit crew and inconsistent Bristol history, creating a steep uphill battle for the playoff hopeful. The same can be said for the sophomore driver whose early exit at Gateway leaves him nearly eliminated unless he can pull off a stunning victory at Bristol, a feat that is unlikely but still within the realm of possibility given his short-track prowess.
The Growing Importance of Bristol’s Elimination Race
Saturday’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway has emerged as a pivotal battleground where playoff drivers will either solidify their championship dreams or face elimination. The short track’s demanding nature and history of chaos make it a proving ground for drivers seeking to demonstrate resilience, skill, and strategic acumen. Top contenders like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Chase Briscoe will rely on their experience and consistent performances, while rising stars like Bubba Wallace could capitalize on momentum to disrupt expectations and claim a Championship 4 berth.
Given the high stakes and intense competition, the Bristol race promises dramatic moments that could shift the playoff landscape substantially. Drivers sitting near the bottom of the points cutoff will need to balance aggression with precision, while potential dark horses look to emerge from the shadows with breakthrough performances. Fans can anticipate a fiercely competitive night where every lap carries immense significance for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship chase.
“The Joe Gibbs Racing driver maintains his perennial Championship 4 aspirations, but if he were to reach it this year, could he be joined by one of his 23XI Racing drivers alongside him for the first time?” —Pat DeCola, NASCAR.com Analyst
“With four career Bristol wins and a proven track record of playoff prowess, Hamlin enters the elimination race with utmost confidence and the luxury of focusing purely on accumulating playoff points for future rounds.” —Pat DeCola, NASCAR.com Analyst
“Either way, he appears destined for the Round of 12. And then some.” —Pat DeCola, NASCAR.com Analyst
