NASCAR Cup Series drivers Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney enter the 2025 season as favorites to win the championship, according to the latest betting odds. Both drivers have demonstrated strong performances, with Blaney’s recent hot streak and Larson’s consistent excellence positioning them as top contenders.
Ryan Blaney’s team has found a solid rhythm this season, creating what he describes as a “well-oiled machine.” After securing eight top-10 finishes in his last nine races, Blaney approaches the Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with renewed confidence. This momentum builds on his previous championship campaign, where focused runs earned him one title and two runner-up finishes.
Ryan Blaney Embraces Team Confidence and Consistency
Blaney credits the team’s collective mindset for their sustained success.
“I feel like we’ve just kind of gotten into this good rhythm, and that stuff just grows over time,”
he said.
“I feel like our mindset is just in a good place right now, where everyone’s extremely confident in themselves and their ability, and they believe it, and that stuff definitely helps, you know? So it’s the belief that we can do it.”
The 2023 circuit champion highlighted the solidarity within his crew as a crucial factor.
“It’s really fun to be part of a group like that that has that mindset, like everyone’s clicking together, everyone has each other’s backs, like we support if I make a mistake, they’re right there to support me. If they make a mistake, I support them, you know? That’s just how a team works. So yeah, I just think we are a pretty well-oiled machine.”
Blaney shares a lighter moment off the track as well. During the Bristol race, his 4-year-old nephew inadvertently got on his radio, fortunately during a caution. Blaney revealed plans to switch the motorhome radio to listen-only mode to prevent future surprises.
Denny Hamlin’s Team Faces Setback with Crew Suspensions
Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin’s chance at a first circuit championship encountered an obstacle during the Round of 16 finale at Bristol Motor Speedway. A safety incident resulted in Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota losing its right-front wheel on Lap 384, leading to a two-lap penalty and a drop to 31st place from a prime race position.
NASCAR officials responded by suspending two members of Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing pit crew — Austin Maloney and Joel Bouagnon — for two upcoming races at Loudon and Kansas Speedway. The penalty was issued due to the safety violation connected to the wheel loss.
Despite the setback, Hamlin remains a serious contender. He currently holds the top spot in the Round of 12 standings with a 26-point lead over the cutoff and has posted five race wins this season. FanDuel Sportsbook has assigned him +500 odds to claim the championship this year.
Updated 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Betting Odds
With the playoffs intensifying, here are the latest drivers’ odds to win the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship from FanDuel Sportsbook:
– Ryan Blaney +450
– Kyle Larson +450
– Denny Hamlin +500
These odds reflect the competitive field where consistency, team execution, and resilience in the postseason play critical roles. Larson’s impressive track record and Blaney’s recent momentum set the stage for a thrilling championship battle.
The 2025 NASCAR playoffs will continue to unfold with heightened intensity, making each round decisive in determining the championship contenders. Fans can expect that the performances of drivers like Blaney, Larson, and Hamlin will shape the final contenders as the season progresses.
Ryan Blaney had a good laugh when his 4-year-old nephew got on his radio during the Bristol race — thankfully, under caution. He gives the back story and indicates they will make sure the radio in the motorhome is in a listen-only mode from now on. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/Stpkm7QxCZ
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 16, 2025
Best solo performance at Bristol 20250913: Denny Hamlin’s right front tire. pic.twitter.com/Czjd5paM4x
— Sidney White (@SclgWhite) September 15, 2025
