As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season hits its midpoint, some of the sport’s biggest names are still searching for answers. Drivers like Daniel Suárez and Kyle Busch came into the year with high expectations but have struggled to find consistent speed and results. With the summer stretch and playoffs looming, the question now is: can any of them salvage their season and make a serious run?
Daniel Suárez: Searching for Consistency
After his breakthrough win in 2022 and flashes of brilliance since, Daniel Suárez looked poised to take the next step in 2025. Instead, the Trackhouse Racing driver has been mired in mid-pack finishes and has yet to score a top-5 this year. While the team’s speed on road courses gives him hope for a playoff-clinching win, Suárez will need to capitalize quickly to avoid missing the postseason.
Kyle Busch: Rowdy’s Rough Ride
Two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch’s 2025 campaign has been defined by frustration. Mechanical issues, pit road mistakes, and even uncharacteristic on-track errors have left him outside the top 16 in points. Busch’s fiery determination is still there, but with Richard Childress Racing struggling to keep pace with Hendrick and Gibbs, the clock is ticking on his playoff hopes.
Three Other Veterans Feeling the Heat
It’s not just Suárez and Busch. Several other former race winners are having equally disappointing seasons:
Chase Briscoe has shown speed at times but can’t seem to avoid bad luck when it matters most. Austin Dillon remains winless and under increasing pressure as RCR’s second car lags behind its competitors. Tyler Reddick, despite early promise with 23XI Racing, has struggled on ovals and needs a strong summer push.
Key Races Could Change Everything
The upcoming summer stretch features tracks where these drivers have excelled in the past. Road courses like Watkins Glen and short tracks like Richmond offer opportunities for surprise winners. NASCAR’s “win-and-you’re-in” playoff format means it only takes one good day to rewrite the narrative.
But with each passing week, the margin for error shrinks. For these five drivers, the next few races could define not only their 2025 season—but potentially their future with their current teams.
