As the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Daytona International Speedway for the regular-season finale, fourteen drivers have already secured at least one victory this season. Among those battling for the last two provisional playoff berths are No. 14-ranked Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman, currently leading the chase while Chris Buescher falls just short, trailing 89 points behind Reddick and 60 points behind Bowman.
The 16-driver playoff series is scheduled to begin on August 31 at Darlington Raceway. William Byron, who claimed the regular-season championship, anticipates a highly competitive postseason.
No one’s running away with this thing, which is going to create a really crazy playoffs,
William Byron said to NASCAR.com.
Current Championship Betting Odds Favor Larson and Hamlin
Sports betting outlets have identified Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin as the favorites to win the NASCAR Cup Series 2025 Championship, both listed at +400 odds by BetOnline Sportsbook. Their strong performances throughout the season have made them the standout contenders as the playoffs approach.
Changes Announced for 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
NASCAR officials unveiled significant updates to the 2026 schedule, introducing new venues and formats aimed at blending tradition and innovation. Notably, a street-course race will take place at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado, while the season’s Championship 4 race will move to Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Another historic milestone is the return of North Wilkesboro Speedway to host its first points race since 1996. Additionally, Dover Motor Speedway has been selected to hold the All-Star weekend. NASCAR is also launching a new In-Season Challenge to further diversify the competition.
Obviously, a lot of collaboration, a lot of time, a lot of energy that went into it, and it’s just a good blend like we’ve had over the past few years of innovation and tradition, of being able to celebrate our history and our roots and where we come from, but then also having these bold new moves that we’re introducing to the schedule,
said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer, as reported by NASCAR.com.
Overview of Drivers’ Championship Odds for 2025
According to BetOnline Sportsbook’s Week 26 update, the drivers’ odds for claiming the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship currently highlight Larson and Hamlin as top choices, reflecting their consistent performances and positioning as playoffs commence. The evolving point standings and competition depth suggest a closely contested championship battle ahead.
