The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season will kick off on February 16 with the 67th Daytona 500, ushering in a fresh set of opportunities for all drivers.
Here are 10 early predictions for the upcoming 77th season of NASCAR Cup Series racing:
Kyle Busch will return to victory lane
Kyle Busch’s 2024 season was marked by challenges, including his first winless year and a playoff absence. However, Richard Childress Racing showed improvement late in the season, and Busch remains a formidable threat. He will look to break his 57-race winless streak by securing his first Daytona 500 victory on February 16.
Bubba Wallace will make a playoff comeback
After a strong 2021 and 2022, including a playoff appearance in 2023, Wallace struggled in 2024, failing to win and missing the postseason. With new crew chief Charles Denike, who led Christian Eckes to the Truck Series Championship 4 in 2024, Wallace is expected to rebound and return to the playoffs in 2025.
Denny Hamlin’s career will begin to decline
Hamlin has been a competitive driver for the past decade, making four Championship 4 appearances. However, his performance has waned since the introduction of the Next Gen car, and with the added distraction of 23XI Racing’s lawsuit, Hamlin could see his performance drop in 2025.
Joey Logano will experience a championship hangover
Logano’s 2024 title run masked the fact that the No. 22 team has struggled with speed in recent seasons. With Logano’s championship banner covering up this issue, he may find it difficult to contend consistently in 2025, potentially fighting just to make the playoffs.
Shane van Gisbergen will dominate Rookie of the Year
Van Gisbergen, a skilled road racer, will face competition for the Rookie of the Year award from Riley Herbst. While Herbst has more stock-car experience, van Gisbergen’s impressive performance in the 2024 Xfinity Series suggests he will clinch the award, particularly if he wins a road course race.
Ryan Preece will miss the playoffs in his first year with RFK Racing
Preece’s opportunity with RFK Racing is his best yet, but there will be growing pains. In 2025, driving the No. 60 Ford, he will narrowly miss out on making the playoffs in his first season with the team.
Todd Gilliland will thrive as leader at Front Row Motorsports
With Michael McDowell departing, Gilliland, now the most experienced driver at Front Row Motorsports, will lead the team. He has steadily improved throughout his career, and 2025 could be his breakout year, potentially earning him a spot in the playoffs.
Kyle Larson will lead the Cup Series in wins
Larson, who missed the Championship 4 in 2024 despite winning six races, will use that as motivation in 2025. After leading the Cup Series with six wins in 2024, Larson is expected to top the series in victories for the third time in five years, cementing the No. 5 team’s status as one of the best.
Spire Motorsports will have at least one car in the playoffs
Spire Motorsports is steadily improving, with second-year driver Carson Hocevar, fourth-year driver Justin Haley, and veteran Michael McDowell. While Hocevar may be the team’s best bet for a playoff berth, McDowell and Haley, both capable of winning at superspeedways, could also make a playoff push.
Ryan Blaney will make the Championship 4 for a third consecutive year
Blaney has become one of NASCAR’s elite drivers, almost defending his 2023 championship in 2024. In 2025, his No. 12 team is poised to improve further, potentially setting career-high marks in wins and laps led as he makes his third straight Championship 4 appearance.
