5 drivers who could be surprise contenders in 2025 NASCAR Cup Series

Modified Dec 02, 2024 11:46 GMT

Ross Chastain, Brad Keselowski, and Shane van Gisbergen — From left to right: Ross Chastain, Brad Keselowski, Shane van Gisbergen - Source: Imagn

Like any sport, NASCAR has produced upsets and surprises, especially with a playoff system in place. While the system may be controversial to some fans, it undeniably stirs up the competition, with the drivers challenged to play their cards right.

Fans can expect surprise contenders in 2025 as multiple NASCAR Cup Series driver lineups have been shuffled following several off-season moves, such as the discontinuation of Stewart-Haas Racing.

That said, we have listed five drivers who could be surprise contenders for the upcoming season in the premier series.

Ross Chastain

Ross Chastain may have missed this year's playoffs but proved to be a strong contender all season. While Chastain scored four top-5 finishes before the playoffs, he only missed on winning a race that would've allowed him to join Trackhouse Racing teammate Daniel Suarez in the postseason fight.

Although the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro driver won a race in the playoff rounds, particularly at Kansas Speedway. He notably fought Kyle Busch who was eager to extend his race win streak around the 1.5-mile track.

Overall Chastain had one win, one pole, six top-5s, and 14 top-10s.

Austin Cindric

Austin Cindric will enter the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season after a decent run this year, reaching the Round of 12 just like in his rookie year in 2022. Cindric punched his ticket to the playoffs by winning the World Wide Technology Raceway race.

The 2025 season will also mark Team Penske as the defending champion for the third consecutive year. As the driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Ford Mustang, the Mooresville native should gain an advantage from data and insights within the team.

Cindric had one win, four top-5s, and seven top-10s.

Shane van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen may enter with a rookie status but he is no stranger to competition. SVG will join the field as a three-time Supercars champion who earned three wins in his first full-time drive in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year.

Let's not forget the New Zealander's victory at the 2023 Chicago street race where he debuted in the premier series.

The driver will pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet with Trackhouse Racing full-time next year. The 35-year-old secured the new and third seat on the team where he will drive alongside teammates Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez.

SVG had three wins, three poles, seven top-5s, and 10 top-10s in the second-tier Series.

Ty Gibbs

While Ty Gibbs may have a slow start in his NASCAR Cup Series career, the driver has been picking up the pieces as evidenced by a playoff appearance on points this year. Gibbs also led the field for 417 laps, the 8th most laps led on the 2024 season's list.

According to Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin, the team has been making moves internally to improve the performance of the 54, Gibbs' racing number. Hamlin will work with Gibbs' crew chief Chris Gayle, with the team yet to announce the new shot caller for the No. 54 car.

Gibbs had two poles, eight top-5s, and 12 top-10s.

Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowski had a decent 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, having reached the playoffs. Keselowski punched his ticket to the postseason after winning the first Darlington Raceway stop in May, snapping a 110-race victory drought.

For the upcoming season, the 2012 Cup Series champ has expanded RFK Racing, the team he co-owns and drives for, with new sponsorship deals from Kroger. He believes Kroger has a "proper NASCAR program" that should benefit the team moving forward.

Keselowski had one win, nine top-5s, and 14 top-10s.

Edited by Shirsh