The 2025 NASCAR season is heating up, and this past weekend’s race delivered plenty of action, surprises, and a few blunders. Christopher Bell and Noah Gragson emerged as standout performers, while FOX Sports and Trackhouse Racing found themselves on the wrong side of the conversation. Let’s break down the winners and losers from the latest race weekend.
Winners
Christopher Bell – The Clutch Closer
Christopher Bell continues to prove that he belongs in the championship conversation. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver put on a masterclass in race strategy and execution, capitalizing on late-race cautions and pit stops to secure another victory. Bell’s ability to navigate traffic, make smart moves on restarts, and maintain composure under pressure once again paid off. With this win, he solidifies his status as a legitimate title contender and strengthens JGR’s hold on the season.
Noah Gragson – Finding His Groove
Noah Gragson has been searching for consistency since making the jump to the Cup Series, and this weekend, he delivered his best performance yet. Finishing in the top five, Gragson displayed aggressive yet controlled driving, proving he can run with the sport’s elite. If he can keep this momentum going, Gragson could be a dark horse for the playoffs—a significant turnaround from his struggles last season.
Toyota – Dominant Weekend
Toyota teams showed up in a big way, with Bell leading the charge and several other Camrys running strong throughout the race. The manufacturer’s ability to adapt to different track conditions has been a key storyline this season, and this weekend was no exception. If Toyota keeps up this pace, they could be the dominant force in the playoffs.
Losers
FOX Sports – Another Broadcast Blunder
Once again, FOX Sports found itself under fire for its race coverage. Poor camera work, missed battles on track, and excessive commercial breaks frustrated viewers, overshadowing an otherwise thrilling race. NASCAR fans took to social media to voice their displeasure, calling for improved race coverage. With a packed season ahead, FOX must address these issues to keep fans engaged.
Trackhouse Racing – A Rough Weekend
Trackhouse Racing has been a rising force in NASCAR, but this weekend was one to forget. Both Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez struggled with handling issues and poor track position, leading to disappointing finishes. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency remains their biggest hurdle. If Trackhouse wants to compete for a championship, they need to figure out how to bounce back quickly.
Pit Road Mistakes – Costly Errors
Several top teams saw their races derailed by pit road mistakes, including penalties and slow stops. As the competition tightens, these small errors can make the difference between victory and a mid-pack finish. Expect teams to double down on pit stop efficiency as the season progresses.
With another thrilling race in the books, NASCAR now turns its attention to the next challenge. Can Bell continue his winning ways? Will Gragson build on his momentum? And can FOX Sports fix its broadcast issues before the fans’ frustration boils over?
