The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs driver line-up is set to excite fans, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, including Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen among the 16 competitors.
How the Playoffs Work
Before the Playoffs commence, NASCAR holds a regular season comprising 26 points-paying races. During this period, every full-time driver has the opportunity to secure a spot in the Playoffs by winning a race. In simple terms, winning a race guarantees entry into the Round of 16. If fewer than 16 different drivers win during the regular season, the remaining spots are filled based on points standings. Conversely, if more than 16 drivers win, NASCAR prioritizes those with the most victories and resolves any ties using points. Historically, no season in the Playoffs era has seen more than 16 race winners in the regular season. This year, there were 14 winners, with Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing) and Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports) claiming the final two spots. Once the regular season concludes, 16 drivers are confirmed for the Playoffs, competing for the championship while non-Playoff drivers race for individual victories.
Structure of the Playoffs
The Playoffs consist of 10 races divided into three rounds, each featuring three races. In 2025, there are three elimination rounds leading to the Championship 4 race at Phoenix. The rounds include the Round of 16, the Round of 12, and the Round of 8.
Advancing in the Playoffs
After each elimination round’s third race, the four drivers with the lowest points are eliminated. However, any Playoff driver not already eliminated can advance by winning a race, which frequently occurs.
Seeding of Playoff Drivers
Seeding is determined first by the number of race victories and then by total points. When the Round of 16 begins, each driver starts with 2000 points plus any Playoff points earned. After four drivers are eliminated, the remaining drivers in the Round of 12 reset to 3000 points plus their Playoff points. Following another elimination, the Round of 8 drivers reset to 4000 points plus Playoff points. The Championship 4 competitors start at 5000 points without additional Playoff points, and the champion is determined in a winner-takes-all finale.
Earning Playoff Points
Drivers accumulate Playoff points throughout the regular season. They earn five points for winning races and one point for winning a stage. At the end of the regular season, the champion receives 15 bonus points, second place earns 10, and third place gets eight. Positions four through ten receive a sliding scale of bonus points from seven to one. Playoff points carry over into the first three elimination rounds but not into the title-deciding race. After each elimination round, the Playoff points earned during the regular season are added back to the drivers’ reset totals. For instance, if van Gisbergen enters the Round of 16 with 2022 points and advances to the Round of 12, he would start with 3022 points.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Drivers
1. Kyle Larson – 2032 points 2. William Byron – 2032 points 3. Denny Hamlin – 2029 points 4. Ryan Blaney – 2026 points 5. Christopher Bell – 2023 points 6. Shane van Gisbergen – 2022 points 7. Chase Elliott – 2013 points 8. Chase Briscoe – 2010 points 9. Bubba Wallace – 2008 points 10. Austin Cindric – 2008 points 11. Ross Chastain – 2007 points 12. Joey Logano – 2007 points 13. Josh Berry – 2006 points 14. Tyler Reddick – 2006 points 15. Austin Dillon – 2005 points 16. Alex Bowman – 2002 points
What Happens After Elimination?
Once a driver is eliminated from the Playoffs, they continue to compete alongside non-Playoff drivers. Those not in the Playoffs still race in every event, vying for points from 17th place onward.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Schedule
– Round of 16 – Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol – Round of 12 – New Hampshire, Kansas, Charlotte ROVAL – Round of 8 – Las Vegas, Talladega, Martinsville – Championship 4 – Phoenix
Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest articles delivered directly to your inbox! We respect your privacy and won’t spam you. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.