The first elimination round of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs concluded under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway, trimming the championship field from sixteen to twelve. After a grueling 500-lap battle, the playoff picture sharpened, with four drivers—Alex Bowman, Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Josh Berry—falling below the cutline and exiting title contention.

Leading the pack into the Round of 12 is Denny Hamlin, who sits atop the standings with 3,034 points. Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, secured his spot with a win at World Wide Technology Raceway and enters the next phase with momentum and a slim lead over his closest rivals.

Kyle Larson and William Byron are tied for second in points at 3,032, both drivers showing consistent speed and poised to challenge for the top spot. Christopher Bell, fresh off a clutch victory at Bristol, holds fourth with 3,028 points, completing a strong showing for Joe Gibbs Racing in the opening round.

Ryan Blaney (3,027 points) and Chase Briscoe (3,018) round out the top six, both advancing on points and stage performances. Briscoe, another Joe Gibbs Racing driver, adds depth to the team’s playoff strength.

Chase Elliott (3,013), Bubba Wallace (3,009), and Austin Cindric (3,008) remain in the hunt, each within striking distance of the top eight cutoff that will determine advancement to the Round of 8 after the next three races.

Joey Logano and Ross Chastain are tied at 3,007 points, sitting just below the cutoff line. Tyler Reddick, with 3,006 points, rounds out the field, trailing Elliott by a mere seven points. The margins are razor-thin, setting up a high-stakes battle as the series heads to New Hampshire, Kansas, and the Charlotte Roval.

With the next elimination looming after the October 5 race at Charlotte, every stage point and finish will be critical. The playoff intensity is expected to escalate, especially with multiple former winners at upcoming tracks vying to stay alive in the championship chase.

The Round of 12 kicks off September 21 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where tire strategy and track position could play decisive roles. With the field tightly packed and no clear runaway leader, the path to Phoenix remains wide open.