The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is shaping up to be a pivotal year as drivers, teams, and fans prepare for a blend of historic venues, bold schedule changes, and high-stakes competition. With the green flag set to wave at the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium, the season promises to deliver both nostalgia and fresh challenges.
Driver shakeups: New alliances and bold moves
The offseason brought a wave of significant driver and team changes, introducing new dynamics to the grid:
- Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time Australian Supercars champion, begins his first full-time Cup Series season with Trackhouse Racing in the No. 88 Chevrolet. Known for his dominance on road courses, SVG faces an uphill battle adapting to NASCAR’s demanding ovals.
- Noah Gragson joins Front Row Motorsports in the No. 4 Ford, aiming to establish himself as a rising star in the Cup Series.
- Chase Briscoe transitions to Joe Gibbs Racing, piloting the No. 19 Toyota with veteran crew chief James Small at the helm.
- 23XI Racing expands to a three-car lineup, with Riley Herbst driving the No. 45 Toyota and bringing Monster Energy sponsorship.
These changes signal a shift in the competitive landscape as established veterans and promising newcomers vie for supremacy in the 2025 season.
Bowman Gray Stadium: A historic start to the season
The return to Bowman Gray Stadium, known as “The Madhouse,” marks a significant moment for NASCAR. Last used for a Cup Series race in 1971, this tight quarter-mile oval offers a unique challenge for drivers and a nod to NASCAR’s roots.
“This track is where legends were made,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr. during a 2021 test session with the Next Gen car. “The car feels like it belongs here, and the racing is going to be something special.” With the Next Gen car now in its third year
and teams more experienced with its capabilities, fans can expect thrilling, close-quarters action when the season kicks off on February 2.
Schedule innovations: Balancing tradition and modernity
The 2025 NASCAR schedule brings bold changes, blending historic venues with new global opportunities:
- Mexico City Debut: The Cup Series will race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in June, marking NASCAR’s first competitive event in Mexico City. This move underscores NASCAR’s ambitions to expand its international footprint and connect with a broader fanbase.
- In-Season Tournament: A five-race tournament featuring stops at Atlanta, Chicago, Sonoma, Dover, and Indianapolis injects a new layer of strategy and excitement into the regular season.
- Playoff Adjustments: Darlington Raceway returns as the playoff opener, while World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) and New Hampshire Motor Speedway join the postseason lineup, shaking up the playoff dynamic.
While fans will miss venues like the Milwaukee Mile and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, additions such as Lime Rock Park and Rockingham Speedway in the Truck Series breathe fresh life into the schedule.
Broadcasting overhaul: NASCAR embraces streaming
The 2025 season introduces a groundbreaking shift in how fans experience the action. Prime Video will stream practice and qualifying sessions for the first half of the season, while TNT Sports will take over in the second half, offering coverage on Max and truTV. FOX Sports will continue to broadcast marquee events like the Daytona 500 and the All-Star Race.
“We’re reaching out to a new generation of fans while staying true to our traditional audience,” said a NASCAR official. “Streaming provides flexibility and accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sport.”
Key storylines to watch in 2025
The 2025 season is packed with compelling narratives that will keep fans on the edge of their seats:
- Kyle Busch’s Future: Entering a contract year with Richard Childress Racing after a winless 2024 season, Busch faces immense pressure to deliver results. Will he bounce back and secure his future in the Cup Series, or will this season signal a turning point in his storied career?
- Denny Hamlin’s Elusive Title: Despite being one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, Hamlin has yet to capture a Cup Series championship. With a new crew chief, Chris Gayle, leading the No. 11 Toyota team, the 2025 season could be his last, best chance to claim the title.
- Shane van Gisbergen’s Full-Time Transition: All eyes are on the Australian Supercars champion as he tackles his first full Cup season. While SVG is expected to shine on road courses, his performance on ovals will determine whether he can meet the high expectations placed on him.
- Short-Track Tire Evolution: NASCAR and Goodyear’s development of softer tires for short tracks, first tested at Martinsville in 2024, could significantly impact racing at these venues. Tire management will likely emerge as a key strategic element.
- 23XI/Front Row Motorsports Lawsuit: The ongoing legal dispute over charter allocations has the potential to reshape NASCAR’s business model. The outcome could affect how teams operate and compete in the future.
Rookies in the spotlight: A battle for supremacy
The 2025 Rookie of the Year competition promises to be intense, with Shane van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst leading the field. SVG’s international accolades and Herbst’s role in 23XI Racing’s expanded lineup make them standout contenders. Both drivers face immense pressure to adapt quickly and prove their worth in the highly competitive Cup Series.
The road ahead: A season of transformation
As the green flag waves at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2, the 2025 NASCAR season will officially begin, ushering in a new era of racing. From the global expansion into Mexico City to the strategic complexity of an in-season tournament, this year is poised to redefine NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
With unresolved questions—like Kyle Busch’s contract situation, Denny Hamlin’s title aspirations, and the ripple effects of the 23XI/Front Row Motorsports lawsuit — the 2025 season is as much about the action on the track as it is about the evolving dynamics off it. Fans can look forward to a year of unpredictability, innovation, and intense rivalries, making this a season to remember in NASCAR history.
