The 2025 NASCAR season offers a fresh start for the NASCAR Cup Series field. However, for a few drivers, it’s shaping up to be a pivotal year.
Here are five Cup Series drivers who need a standout performance in 2025:
Bubba Wallace
Wallace delivered the best statistical season of his career in 2024, but it still left much to be desired.
His growth since joining 23XI Racing in 2021 is evident, yet his progress seems to have plateaued.
Missing the playoffs in 2024 and failing to win a race since Kansas in September 2022 puts Wallace under pressure.
With teammate Tyler Reddick reaching the Championship 4 in 2024, Wallace and new crew chief Charles Denike will be closely scrutinized from the start of the season.
Ryan Preece
Preece is set to have the best opportunity of his career in 2025, driving RFK Racing’s new No. 60 car.
Success with this team could bring long-term stability, but Preece will inevitably be compared to teammates Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher, both of whom won races in 2024.
With his teammates expected to be strong playoff contenders, Preece must perform well or risk facing criticism in his first year with RFK.
Kyle Busch
After winning three of the first 15 races in 2023, Busch and Richard Childress Racing have struggled.
A winless 2024 season—the first of his career—marked his worst performance since his rookie year in 2005.
While Busch isn’t at immediate risk of losing his seat, he needs a victory to regain momentum as his career enters its twilight years.
Another winless season could force Busch to start considering his future in the sport.
Denny Hamlin
Hamlin remains a top-tier driver, but 2025 might be one of his last chances to contend for a title.
At 44, age is becoming a factor, and he hasn’t reached the Championship 4 since 2021.
A series of unusual circumstances has derailed his title hopes over the past three seasons.
With a new crew chief, Chris Gayle, moving over from Ty Gibbs’ team, Hamlin needs a championship victory to shake off comparisons to Mark Martin and cement his legacy.
Chase Briscoe
All eyes will be on Briscoe as the season kicks off at Daytona. He takes over the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing following Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement.
Although Briscoe’s job isn’t at risk in 2025, driving for one of NASCAR’s top teams brings high expectations.
This season represents Briscoe’s first opportunity to showcase his talent in elite equipment.
Long considered a rising star held back by Stewart-Haas Racing’s struggles, Briscoe now has the chance to prove he belongs among NASCAR’s best.
