Is the 2025 Cup Series Championship Already in Joe Gibbs Racing's Grasp?
The race to the 2025 Cup Series title is heating up, and all eyes are on Joe Gibbs Racing. But is their dominance a foregone conclusion, or are there cracks in the armor waiting to be exposed? Let's dive into the latest Bubble Watch and see who's poised to challenge for the championship, and who might be left in the dust at Talladega Superspeedway this Sunday (2 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
Denny Hamlin secured his spot in the Championship 4 with a thrilling win at Las Vegas, his first since 2021. Hamlin's victory, however, came at the expense of Joey Logano, who gambled on a late-race strategy that almost paid off. Now, with Talladega's unpredictable nature looming, the question remains: can anyone stop the Joe Gibbs Racing juggernaut?
Here's the Breakdown:
Safely in the Clear:
- Denny Hamlin (ADV): Hamlin's Vegas win guarantees his advancement, but can he maintain this momentum at Talladega, a track known for its chaotic finishes?
Trending Up:
Kyle Larson (35 points above cutline, 83.2% chance of advancing): Larson's mastery of superspeedways is undeniable. His average finish of 9.6 on these tracks this season is a testament to his skill. Can he translate this success into a Championship 4 berth?
Christopher Bell (20 points above cutline, 72.8% chance of advancing): Bell's consistency is impressive, with three consecutive third-place finishes. However, Talladega has been a mixed bag for him, with only three top 10s in 11 starts. Will he find the winning formula this time around?
On the Bubble:
- Chase Briscoe (15 points above cutline, 54.2% chance of advancing): Briscoe's crew chief, James Small, made a bold call at Vegas, opting for a two-tire stop that paid off. But Talladega's history with Briscoe is less than stellar, with only two top 10s in nine starts. Can he overcome the odds?
In Danger Zone:
William Byron (15 points below cutline, 26.5% chance of advancing): Byron's playoff run took a devastating turn at Vegas after a collision with Ty Dillon. Despite this setback, Talladega has been kind to him in recent years, with finishes of seventh or better since 2023. Can he rebound and secure his spot?
Chase Elliott (23 points below cutline, 25.1% chance of advancing): Elliott's playoff mustache hasn't brought him luck so far. An untimely tire penalty at Vegas derailed his race. While he's a two-time Talladega winner, his recent performances have been inconsistent. Can he find his winning form when it matters most?
Joey Logano (24 points below cutline, 15.8% chance of advancing): Logano's two-tire strategy at Vegas kept his playoff hopes alive. He's led a significant number of laps at Talladega in the Gen 7 era, but his best finish is a disappointing 19th. Can he finally break through and secure a win?
Ryan Blaney (31 points below cutline, 22.4% chance of advancing): Blaney's recent performances mirror his struggles at Talladega. Since his New Hampshire win, he's failed to crack the top 13, and his last two Talladega races ended in crashes. Can he turn his season around and make a miraculous comeback?
The Talladega Wildcard:
Talladega's superspeedway is notorious for its unpredictability. While some drivers thrive in the pack racing chaos, others falter. Will we see a surprise winner emerge, or will the favorites prevail? And more importantly, can anyone challenge Joe Gibbs Racing's dominance in the 2025 Cup Series?
What do you think? Is Joe Gibbs Racing a lock for the championship, or are there dark horses waiting to pounce? Let us know in the comments below!
