Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe Advance in 2025 NASCAR Playoffs

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs have entered a crucial phase with the Round of 16 nearing its conclusion. Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe, both from Joe Gibbs Racing, have secured their spots in the Round of 12 by winning recent races at Gateway and Darlington, respectively. Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, and Christopher Bell are in strong positions to advance on points, while drivers like Josh Berry and Alex Bowman face must-win situations at Bristol to continue their championship pursuits. The Bristol Night Race stands as the final opportunity for many drivers to secure advancement, with the points thresholds for safe passage being closely analyzed. The playoffs will continue to narrow the field through the Round of 12 and Round of 8, culminating in the Championship 4 showdown at Phoenix Raceway to determine the season champion. Consistency, wins, and strategic point accumulation remain key factors as drivers battle to avoid elimination in the high-stakes playoff environment.