The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season will be decided this weekend when the checkered flag waves at Daytona International Speedway. Of the 16 drivers competing for the championship, 20 others will be left wondering what could have been.
Daytona is often considered an appetizer to the postseason, showcasing the assertiveness and heart-pounding moments that will come in the following weeks. Twenty-two drivers still have a shot at securing one of the remaining two spots in the playoffs.
Among these drivers, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. stands out as a potential underdog success story. With four Cup wins coming at superspeedways, including two at Daytona, he has the skills to excel on this track. His consistent finishes at drafting tracks, including sixth or better in nine events, make him a force to be reckoned with.
Ford engines have historically started strong at superspeedways, and if Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski, and Ryan Preece can stay together and near the front, one of them could become the 15th winner of 2025. Past winners like Keselowski and Buescher, as well as Preece’s three top-10 finishes in 11 Daytona starts, make their chances look promising.
On the other hand, Alex Bowman is on a good streak, with sixth or better finishes in four of the last five Daytona races and seven top-10s across the last 12 drafting-track events. If he can grab stage points and take a top-10 finish, he could overtake Tyler Reddick and secure his playoff spot.
However, Tyler Reddick is the one to watch out for heading into Daytona. His large lead in the standings, combined with his struggles on this track, make him a concern. With nine finishes of 25th or worse in 12 starts and an average finish of 23rd, it’s unlikely he’ll have a cakewalk. But if he can stay focused and play defensively, he might be able to overcome his struggles and secure the playoffs.
Source: https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/08/22/field-of-16-twenty-two-drivers-vying-for-final-postseason-spots-at-daytona