The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are more intense than ever, and following the adrenaline-pumping Bank of America ROVAL 400 at the Charlotte ROVAL, the driver power rankings have undergone some major shake-ups that could redefine the championship chase!
RACE RESULTS: Bank of America ROVAL 400 at the Charlotte ROVAL (https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/results/race-results-2025-ncs-bank-of-america-roval-400-at-the-charlotte-roval)
Drawing from the combined insights of Racing America On SI's experts—Joseph Srigley, Toby Christie, and Zach Evans—we've compiled this comprehensive ranking of all 36 full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers as they gear up for the upcoming race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For those new to the sport, these rankings reflect a blend of recent performance, playoff standings, and overall consistency, helping to predict who might shine or stumble next.
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- Christopher Bell
The Round of 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs is shaping up to be one of the strongest ever, and Christopher Bell from Joe Gibbs Racing sits firmly at the pinnacle. This versatile driver excels across all track types, positioning him perfectly to either clinch victories en route to the Championship 4 or secure a spot through his solid points standing if needed. His third-place result at the Charlotte ROVAL provides a significant boost of momentum heading forward. (Previously: 1st)
- Chase Elliott
While Chase Elliott isn't the road course powerhouse he used to be, his eighth-place finish at the ROVAL was respectable and kept him out of any heated confrontations. Advancing to the elimination round with his playoff spot already secured is a smart strategy in this high-stakes phase. (Previously: 2nd)
- Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson put up a fierce battle against Shane van Gisbergen in the race's latter stages, nearly pulling off a repeat victory from the previous year at the ROVAL. Though SVG ultimately claimed the win, Larson's aggressive push showcased his competitive spirit. (Previously: 7th)
- Chase Briscoe
The Bank of America ROVAL 400 marked the first playoff event where Chase Briscoe failed to crack the top 10, ending up 14th. Maintaining the impressive speed his No. 19 team has displayed throughout the season will be crucial for advancing to the Championship 4. (Previously: 3rd)
- Ryan Blaney
As the winner of Stage 2, Ryan Blaney fought hard for a 13th-place overall finish, opting for the stage victory over a potential comeback. That extra playoff point could prove invaluable in the Round of 8 for the Team Penske driver. (Previously: 5th)
- William Byron
No dramatic highlights or standout moments, but William Byron's 11th-place result at the ROVAL secured his passage to the Round of 8. Sometimes, steady and reliable performance is the key to success in racing. (Previously: 6th)
- Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has endured a turbulent three weeks: a clash with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs, a contentious last-lap maneuver against 23XI Racing's Bubba Wallace, and now involvement in a final-lap incident with Ross Chastain—without prior knowledge of Chastain's desperation for the position. This puzzling series of events leaves the 59-time NASCAR Cup Series winner with an uncertain path ahead. But here's where it gets controversial: Was Hamlin's move on Wallace a bold racing tactic or an unnecessary risk that could alienate teammates? Fans are divided, and it might just be the spark that fuels playoff drama. (Previously: 4th)
- Tyler Reddick
Starting from the pole position, Tyler Reddick managed a 10th-place finish, leading three laps and claiming second in Stage 2. It was a commendable effort, though insufficient to revive his playoff aspirations amid a challenging week for his family. (Previously: 9th)
- Chris Buescher
Chris Buescher demonstrates real expertise on road courses, evidenced by his fourth-place performance in Sunday's ROVAL event. This momentum could set him up for a strong start in the 2026 season. (Previously: 13th)
- Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell secured his third top-five finish of the year, crossing the line fifth after a sixth-place start. Unsurprisingly for this experienced driver, all his top-fives have occurred on road courses, highlighting his adaptability. (Previously: 15th)
- Bubba Wallace
Under normal circumstances, Bubba Wallace might celebrate a 15th-place finish from a 12th starting spot on a road course. However, given the high stakes and his disappointing result at Kansas, this outcome dashes his championship dreams. (Previously: 10th)
- Joey Logano
The focus was simply on survival and progression for Joey Logano, who ended up 20th at the ROVAL. Yet, it was adequate to advance him to the Round of 8, where the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion hopes to conjure some playoff magic. (Previously: 8th)
- Shane Van Gisbergen
No real shock here—Shane Van Gisbergen dominated to win the Bank of America ROVAL 400 (https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/news/shane-van-gisbergen-snags-fifth-win-of-2025-at-charlotte-roval-01k6vd8mdrwz) at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, marking his fifth victory this season. The Trackhouse Racing driver continues to impress, and while expected, this success builds valuable momentum as he faces four oval tracks—Las Vegas, Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix—to wrap up the year. (Previously: 19th)
- Ryan Preece
Ryan Preece's strong performances on road courses have become routine since joining RFK Racing, and his sixth-place finish on Sunday reinforces that trend. It's a testament to his growing comfort with these challenging layouts. (Previously: 16th)
- Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain appeared poised for success late in the Bank of America ROVAL 400, holding a comfortable points buffer above the cutoff. But as tire wear set in and his Busch Light Chevrolet slipped positions, a reckless final-lap attempt to regain a spot in the last corner (https://x.com/NASCAR/status/1974969909143826833) eliminated him from the championship battle. And this is the part most people miss: Was Chastain's desperation a sign of playoff pressure, or did it reflect a lack of composure? It's a moment that could redefine his season narrative. (Previously: 11th)
- Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski was a prominent figure among the RFK Racing drivers contending at the front throughout the race. Sadly, a mechanical failure forced him out before the end, resulting in a 35th-place finish. (Previously: 12th)
- Ty Gibbs
Sunday's performance at the ROVAL was atypical for Ty Gibbs on road courses, yielding a 12th-place result. While not extraordinary, it felt underwhelming for a driver who previously challenged Shane van Gisbergen multiple times this year. (Previously: 21st)
- Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman skillfully avoided the final-lap turmoil involving Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain, but could only achieve an 18th-place finish in a race that extinguished his playoff hopes last season. (Previously: 18th)
- Todd Gilliland
Todd Gilliland seems to have regained his edge over the past three weeks, securing three consecutive top-20 finishes for the No. 34 Love's Travel Stops team. He was vying for a top-15 spot and appeared entangled in the post-race drama, prompting sharp remarks from three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano over the radio. (Previously: 20th)
- Carson Hocevar
Carson Hocevar grabbed headlines early in the weekend with his Facebook post about acquiring a Chili’s restaurant (some conditions may apply) (https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/news/wait-did-carson-hocevar-actually-buy-a-chili-s). On-track, he drew attention again with incidents, including his role in the crash that prematurely ended Austin Cindric’s playoff run. (Previously: 14th)
- AJ Allmendinger
AJ Allmendinger clinched ninth place in spectacular style. When Daniel Suarez missed the final turn on the last lap, their collision ensued, and Allmendinger reversed his car to salvage a top-10 result. (Previously: 30th)
- Erik Jones
Erik Jones battled relentlessly, finishing 31st, but benefited from Riley Herbst's disqualification after technical inspection, securing a top-30 spot for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. It's unlikely he'll be toasting this outcome. (Previously: 17th)
- Josh Berry
Josh Berry's 16th-place finish nearly equaled his best road course result of 13th at Sonoma. Though not flashy, given his limited experience on these tracks and a tough postseason, it's a positive step forward. (Previously: 29th)
- Daniel Suarez
Daniel Suarez has faced difficulties lately as his time with Trackhouse Racing concludes in four weeks, but a top-10 finish would cap off their partnership perfectly. The minor final-lap error is just a footnote in this context. (Previously: 34th)
- Noah Gragson
A 28th-place finish was disappointing for Noah Gragson and Front Row Motorsports, especially after showing top-10 potential in Saturday's practice. On the bright side, he avoided any incidents, a welcome change from the team's frequent misfortunes this season. (Previously: 23rd)
- Zane Smith
Zane Smith kept a low profile during the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at the Charlotte ROVAL, which is preferable to the dramatic flip down the Turn 4 banking he experienced at Kansas Speedway (https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/news/zane-smith-uninjured-but-pissed-off-after-wild-flip-at-kansas). His 24th-place result was steady and uneventful. (Previously: 28th)
- Justin Haley
Justin Haley briefly held a top-10 position at the ROVAL, but a sluggish final pit stop relegated him to 25th. He performed well at Las Vegas earlier this year and aims to replicate that success next weekend. (Previously: 27th)
- Kyle Busch
Despite a new crew chief (https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/news/kyle-busch-gets-new-crew-chief-for-final-five-races-of-2025), Kyle Busch's bad luck persisted. His race was effectively over before it began, finishing 34th and nine laps behind. (Previously: 22nd)
- John Hunter Nemechek
John Hunter Nemechek endured a tough day, ending as the final driver on the lead lap at the Charlotte ROVAL. Still, his 26th-place finish outperformed his teammate's result this week. (Previously: 25th)
- Cole Custer
Don't underestimate Cole Custer and Haas Factory Team. Even with a manufacturer switch to Chevrolet at season's end, the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse has delivered three consecutive finishes of 24th or better. (Previously: 32nd)
- Austin Dillon
Tires proved to be a critical factor at the ROVAL, wearing out rapidly. Austin Dillon attempted to 'bite' into them by hitting the tire barriers late in the race. As always, the barriers emerged victorious. (Previously: 26th)
- Austin Cindric
Following a 30th at Kansas, the ROVAL was essentially a must-win for Austin Cindric. Instead, an early collision with Carson Hocevar left him 36th and out of contention. (Previously: 24th)
- Ty Dillon
Ty Dillon earned stage points in the first stage and created some memorable TV moments by zooming past the intense duel between Shane van Gisbergen and Kyle Larson on fresh tires. His 27th-place finish fell short of expectations, but the start was promising. (Previously: 31st)
- Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.
It wasn't a stellar day at the Charlotte ROVAL, but Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.'s 19th-place result with HYAK Motorsports on a road course—and their best since Atlanta Motor Speedway in June—holds some value. (Previously: 35th)
- Riley Herbst
Finishing 30th was tough enough for Riley Herbst, compounded by a disqualification for a weight violation after inspection. His rookie season has been fraught with challenges. (Previously: 33rd)
- Cody Ware
Cody Ware started the week learning from Joey Hand (https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/news/cody-ware-leaning-on-joey-hand-ford-sim-to-bolster-roval-effort) and concluded with a 33rd-place finish. Not ideal, but avoiding last place is a small win. (Previously: 36th)
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What do you think of these updated power rankings? Is Shane van Gisbergen's dominance on road courses a sign of things to come, or will the oval tracks level the playing field? Do you believe Denny Hamlin's controversies will haunt him, or is it all part of the intense playoff atmosphere? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take!
