In just under a week, the sound of roaring engines will once again fill the air, signaling the start of a new NASCAR season. The anticipation is palpable. Teams are putting the final touches on their machines, drivers are anxiously awaiting the green flag, and fans across the country are dusting off their coolers and cracking open their first (of many) beers. It’s Daytona time, baby! And while the off-season driver shuffle has left some wondering if their favorite driver is still in the same car (don’t worry, we’ll get to that), one thing’s for sure: 2025 promises to be a wild ride. From nail-biting finishes to heated rivalries, this season has the potential for some serious fireworks. So, buckle up, because we’re about to take a lap around everything you need to know for the 2025 NASCAR season.

Driver Changes

The Silly Season shuffle has been a doozy, leaving some familiar faces in new places and opening the door for some fresh talent. Let’s break down the biggest driver changes for 2025:

• Musical Chairs: Cody Ware will be going full-time in the No. 51, while Zane Smith takes over the No. 38 for Front Row Motorsports. Todd Gilliland is staying with Front Row but will be piloting the No. 34. Ty Dillon will be behind the wheel of the No. 10 for Kaulig Racing (note: the No. 31 team is being renumbered). Justin Haley is making the move to Spire Motorsports to drive the No. 7. Michael McDowell will be going from Front Row Motorsports to Spire Motorsports, driving the No. 71.
• New Teams and Expansions: 23XI Racing is expanding to a three-car operation, with Riley Herbst taking the reins of the No. 35. Front Row Motorsports is also expanding to three teams. Haas Factory Team will be joining the fray, utilizing one of the charters from the now-shuttered Stewart-Haas Racing, and Cole Custer will be driving. Ryan Preece will be driving the No. 60 for RFK Racing, using a charter from Rick Ware Racing.
• The Great Shake-Up: Shane Van Gisbergen is making the leap to full-time competition in the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing. Noah Gragson will be moving over to Front Row Motorsports (car number to be determined). Josh Berry is replacing Harrison Burton at Wood Brothers Racing. Chase Briscoe will be taking over the No. 11 at Joe Gibbs Racing, filling the seat left vacant by Martin Truex Jr.
• Farewell, Truex: Martin Truex Jr., a veteran of the sport, has announced his retirement from full-time competition at the end of 2024. He does, however, plan to run some races with 23XI. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors!
• Rookie Watch: Keep an eye on Riley Herbst and Shane Van Gisbergen as potential Rookie of the Year candidates. NASCAR determines rookie eligibility on a case-by-case basis, so it’s not always cut and dry

Big Races to Watch

Mark your calendars, folks, because the 2025 NASCAR schedule is packed with can’t-miss races! From iconic tracks to new challenges, this season has it all. Here are some of the biggest races you absolutely need to circle on your calendar:

• Daytona 500 (February 16th): The Great American Race. Need we say more? The Daytona 500 kicks off the season with a bang, a three-wide spectacle of speed and strategy that always delivers a thrilling finish. This year’s race will be no exception, as drivers battle for early-season momentum and the coveted Harley J. Earl trophy.
• Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (June 15th): ¡Viva México! NASCAR returns to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, a track known for its passionate fans and challenging layout. This race will be a crucial test for drivers as they navigate the high altitude and tight corners.
• Chicago Street Course (July 6th): Racing through the heart of the Windy City! The Chicago Street Course is back and ready to rumble. This unique street race will test drivers’ skills in a whole new way, as they navigate the city’s iconic landmarks and tight turns. Expect the unexpected in this urban showdown.
• Sonoma Raceway (July 13th): Wine Country Showdown! Sonoma Raceway’s challenging road course returns, and this year, it’s part of the new NASCAR in-season tournament! This means the stakes will be even higher as drivers battle for crucial tournament points and a potential playoff berth.
• Brickyard 400 (July 27th): Racing at the speedway of champions! The Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a historic race that every driver dreams of winning. This year’s race will be a key battleground as the season heats up.
• Coke Zero Sugar 400 (August 23rd): The Regular Season Finale! Daytona’s summer race takes on even greater significance as it serves as the final race of the regular season. Drivers on the bubble will be fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot, making this a high-stakes, high-drama event.
• Bass Pro Shops Night Race (September 13th): Bristol’s Thunder Valley! The Bristol night race is a fan favorite, a chaotic and intense short-track battle under the lights. This year, it’s also the cut-off race for the Round of 16 in the playoffs, meaning drivers will be leaving it all on the track to advance.
• NASCAR In-Season Tournament: This new format will add a whole new layer of excitement to the 2025 season. Spanning multiple races, the tournament will award bonus points and potentially even a playoff spot to the winner. This means every race matters even more, and we could see some unexpected drivers battling for the championship. The tournament’s impact on the playoff picture is anyone’s guess, adding an element of unpredictability we haven’t seen before.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

Track	Date	Time (ET)
Bowman Gray Stadium (Clash)	Feb 2	8:00 PM
Daytona International Speedway (Duels)	Feb 13	TBA
Daytona International Speedway	Feb 16	2:30 PM
Atlanta Motor Speedway	Feb 23	3:00 PM
Circuit of the Americas	Mar 2	3:30 PM
Phoenix Raceway	Mar 9	3:30 PM
Las Vegas Motor Speedway	Mar 16	3:30 PM
Homestead-Miami Speedway	Mar 23	3:00 PM
Martinsville Speedway	Mar 30	3:00 PM
Darlington Raceway	Apr 6	3:00 PM
Bristol Motor Speedway	Apr 13	3:00 PM
Talladega Superspeedway	Apr 27	3:00 PM
Texas Motor Speedway	May 4	3:30 PM
Kansas Speedway	May 11	3:00 PM
North Wilkesboro Speedway (Open/Race)	May 18	TBA/8:00 PM
Charlotte Motor Speedway	May 25	6:00 PM
Nashville Superspeedway	Jun 1	7:00 PM
Michigan International Speedway	Jun 8	2:00 PM
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez	Jun 15	3:00 PM
Pocono Raceway	Jun 22	2:00 PM
Atlanta Motor Speedway	Jun 28	7:00 PM
Chicago Street Course	Jul 6	2:00 PM
Sonoma Raceway	Jul 13	3:30 PM
Dover Motor Speedway	Jul 20	2:00 PM
Indianapolis Motor Speedway	Jul 27	2:00 PM
Iowa Speedway	Aug 3	3:30 PM
Watkins Glen International	Aug 10	2:00 PM
Richmond Raceway	Aug 16	7:30 PM
Daytona International Speedway	Aug 23	7:30 PM
Darlington Raceway	Aug 31	6:00 PM
World Wide Technology Raceway	Sep 7	3:00 PM
Bristol Motor Speedway	Sep 13	7:30 PM
New Hampshire Motor Speedway	Sep 21	2:00 PM
Kansas Speedway	Sep 28	3:00 PM
Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL	Oct 5	3:00 PM
Las Vegas Motor Speedway	Oct 12	5:30 PM
Talladega Superspeedway	Oct 19	2:00 PM
Martinsville Speedway	Oct 26	2:00 PM
Phoenix Raceway	Nov 2	3:00 PM

2025 Rules Changes

NASCAR has implemented several rule changes for the 2025 season, impacting everything from race formats to qualifying procedures. Here’s a rundown of the key adjustments:  

• Open Exemption Provisional: A new provisional starting berth has been created, potentially expanding the Cup Series grid to a maximum of 41 cars for select races. This “Open Exemption Provisional” (OEP) will be granted on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing drivers with significant racing experience and accolades. OEP entries are eligible for the race win, trophy, and All-Star Race, but not championship points, prize money, or playoff eligibility. This change adds intrigue, especially for open entries in races like the Daytona 500.  
• Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP) Update: Damaged cars driven or towed to the garage will no longer be automatically out of the race. Teams will be allowed to make repairs in the garage without a time limit. However, the seven-minute pit road repair clock (eight minutes at Atlanta) will remain in effect. Cars unable to be driven to pit road will still be towed to the garage.  
• Playoff Waiver Adjustment: Drivers granted a playoff waiver under certain circumstances (suspension, skipping a race) will forfeit accumulated playoff points and start the playoffs with a baseline of 2,000 points. This does not apply to medical absences, family emergencies, or age restrictions.  
• Manufacturer Penalties Clarified: The penalty structure for rules violations by OEMs has been clarified, potentially resulting in loss of manufacturer points and/or reductions in wind-tunnel testing time or CFD test runs.  
• “100% Rule” Rephrased: The “100% rule” regarding performance obligations has been rephrased, focusing on competitors who “manipulate the outcome” of an event rather than those who “artificially alter the finishing positions.”  
• Practice and Qualifying Procedures Overhaul: Practice times have been slightly expanded, and starting lineup rules have been simplified across all three national series. Key changes include:
  • Group practice increased from 20 to 25 minutes.  
  • Single-round qualifying at most tracks (superspeedways retain two rounds).  
  • Starting positions determined solely by qualifying results.
  • Single-lap time trials at most tracks; two laps at short tracks; group qualifying at road courses.
  • Broadcast rights for practice and qualifying have shifted, with some races on Prime Video and TNT Sports, while FOX Sports retains rights for select events.

Biggest Storylines of 2025

NASCAR in 2025 is a powder keg of potential storylines, both on and off the track. The roar of the engines will be deafening, but so too will the whispers of intrigue. From legal battles to driver shuffles, this season promises to be a wild ride.  

The biggest off-track drama? A lawsuit filed by none other than Michael Jordan against NASCAR. The details are still unfolding, but this legal battle could have significant implications for the sport’s future. It’s a story worth following closely as the season unfolds.

On the track, the driver carousel has been spinning. Cody Ware, Zane Smith, Todd Gilliland, Ty Dillon, Justin Haley and Michael McDowell all find themselves in new rides. The most significant moves? Shane Van Gisbergen’s jump to full-time racing, Chase Briscoe taking over the iconic No. 11 at Joe Gibbs Racing, and Noah Gragson’s switch to Front Row Motorsports. These changes have reshaped the competitive landscape, creating new alliances and potential rivalries.

Speaking of new teams, welcome to the grid, Haas Factory Team, with Cole Custer at the wheel. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have also expanded their operations, adding even more competition to the mix. The departure of Stewart-Haas Racing will leave a void, but these new and expanded teams are ready to fill it.  

A legend bids adieu (sort of). Martin Truex Jr., a veteran of the sport, has stepped back from full-time racing, but he’s not entirely gone. He plans to run select races with 23XI, giving fans a chance to see him behind the wheel one last time.

The young guns are coming. Keep an eye on rookie sensations Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst. Both drivers have the potential to make a splash in their debut season and challenge the established veterans.

A new twist in the playoff race. The NASCAR In-Season Tournament is here, and it’s a game-changer. Spanning multiple races, this tournament will award bonus points and potentially even a coveted playoff spot. Every race now carries even greater weight, adding a layer of unpredictability that could shake up the entire championship picture.

Rivalries ignite. With drivers changing teams and the stakes higher than ever, expect some intense battles on the track. Old rivalries will be renewed, and new ones will undoubtedly emerge. The competition will be fierce, and the tempers might flare.

The Next Gen car continues its evolution. As the car enters its third year, NASCAR is constantly making adjustments and improvements. These tweaks could impact everything from aerodynamics to handling, leading to even closer racing and unpredictable finishes.

Off the track, other storylines are brewing. Keep an eye on any developments related to sponsorships, team ownership changes, or technological advancements. These off-track factors can often have a significant impact on the on-track action.

And finally, the Daytona 500 is just around the corner! The Great American Race is always a spectacle, and this year’s race promises to be no different. With the driver changes and the new season’s anticipation, the 2025 Daytona 500 is set to be a classic.

Conclusion

The green flag is about to drop on the 2025 NASCAR season, and the stage is set for a year of high-octane drama, intense competition, and unforgettable moments. From the high-stakes battles on the track to the intriguing storylines unfolding off it, this season promises to be a wild ride. With driver changes shaking up the grid, new teams entering the fray, and the revolutionary in-season tournament adding a layer of unpredictability, 2025 has all the ingredients for a classic NASCAR season. So, get ready to witness the speed, the rivalries, and the sheer excitement that only NASCAR can deliver. It’s time to buckle up and enjoy the show!