Denny Hamlin has maintained his status as the most victorious driver in the 2025 NASCAR season so far and has secured his place in the Round of 8 based on points. However, defending Cup Series champion Joey Logano has also advanced to this critical stage, setting up a tense rivalry that could define the championship battle. Former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty has expressed concerns that Logano’s progression creates significant obstacles for Hamlin’s title ambitions.
Despite a disappointing 2025 season by Logano’s standards, considering his dominant 2024 performance, he managed to qualify among the eight finalists. This achievement means Logano remains a serious contender to claim the championship, putting enormous pressure on Hamlin to elevate his performance in the upcoming races. Petty points out that Hamlin’s pathway to the Championship 4 will likely require overcoming Logano, a scenario the JGR veteran would have preferred to avoid.
Kyle Petty Highlights Logano as Hamlin’s Toughest Rival in Final Playoffs
Kyle Petty stressed the typical playoff strategy of desiring weaker opponents in late stages to improve chances of advancement. Instead, Denny Hamlin is now compelled to face Joey Logano, described by Petty as among the toughest competitors. This unexpected development for the #11 team shifts the dynamics of the championship fight considerably.
Denny Hamlin’s worst nightmare happened [when Logano qualified for the Round of 8]. Hamlin is gonna have to go through Joey Logano. Everybody is gonna have to. You wanna race against weaker teams. You don’t wanna race against guys like Joey Logano.
Kyle Petty told NASCAR.
Logano’s Past Success Amplifies His Threat in Current Title Race
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Logano entered the Round of 8 under similar circumstances and went on to dominate the competition, ultimately winning his third Cup Series championship. Petty acknowledges the likelihood of history repeating itself, affirming Logano remains a formidable adversary to all remaining drivers, including Hamlin.
Petty described Logano as a relentless competitor who “will bite you” and called him “everybody’s worst nightmare,” especially with the championship finale set to take place in Phoenix immediately after Halloween. Additionally, Petty praised Paul Wolfe, Logano’s crew chief, for his strategic decision to pit early and equip Logano with fresher tires in the closing laps, a move that proved crucial during the playoffs.
He will bite you, and I am gonna tell you, it’s everybody’s worst nightmare, going to Phoenix right after Halloween- Joey Logano is going to be there… Paul Wolfe made a call yesterday; he deserves the award. Those guys were in the playoffs, and he took themselves out to [the] pit and put on tires.
Kyle Petty noted.
Championship Outlook: Intense Rivalry Expected Between Hamlin and Logano
The 2025 NASCAR season has delivered intense competition, especially as the Round of 8 progresses. Both Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin rank among the top contenders for the Cup Series title this year. Hamlin appears to face added pressure as he pursues his first championship win, whereas Logano, with previous titles, enters with a proven track record of success.
The upcoming races will test Hamlin’s ability to rise above Logano and other challengers in the playoffs. Given Petty’s analysis and the momentum behind Logano’s late-season surge, this rivalry could be pivotal in determining who emerges victorious at the season’s end.
