NASCAR 2025 Preview
- RoundersKyle
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
The NASCAR season is here, kicking off the 2025 year with the Clash this weekend on February 2nd at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC. This marks the first time in the modern era that NASCAR has raced at this historic venue, but it should deliver a race comparable to previous years at the LA Coliseum. Both tracks are flat, quarter-mile short tracks, and the event will feature a similar format with heat races to determine the lineup for Sunday night's main event.
Some of the top contenders this weekend include Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Larson. These drivers have excelled at the Coliseum in past years and have a strong history of success on flat, short tracks. Practice sessions and heat races later this week will provide more insight into which cars will be the ones to beat.
For the 2025 season as a whole, we should be in for another great season. We have quite a few moves that have happen over the offseason with the shutdown of Stewart Haas Racing and the promotion of some drivers to the Cup Series. Here are some of the major moves in the offseason and how I expect them to affect each driver:
Chase Briscoe to Joe Gibbs Racing (#19 Car)
Chase Briscoe takes over the car vacated by Martin Truex Jr.’s retirement. This is a step up for Briscoe, and he’s expected to contend more consistently this season.
Shane Van Gisbergen to Trackhouse Racing (#88 Car)
Shane Van Gisbergen after an impressive Xfinity Series campaign moves to the Cup Series full-time. I expect him to continue to improve on ovals throughout the season but he will be the favorite for most of the road courses. He is likely to make the playoffs as he should win at least one of the road courses.
Noah Gragson to Front Row Motorsports (#4 Car)
Noah Gragson moves from SHR to Front Row Motorsports. With how bad SHR was for most of last season, this could be a slight upgrade for him. He should have the opportunity for some top 10 runs and be a threat on superspeedways like we saw last year with the Front Row cars.
Zane Smith to Front Row Motorsports (#38 Car)
Zane Smith also comes over to Front Row Motorsports from the 3rd car he was running for Spire last season. Zane had a bit of a disappointing year but had some good runs towards the end of the season last year. We will see how Zane does this season as a 3rd car for Front Row could be spreading their resources a little thin. I think things could go either way for Zane in 2025.
Justin Haley to Spire Motorsports (#7 Car)
Justin Haley was impressive last season in the Rick Ware 51 car and he gets a new ride with Spire Motorsports in the 7 car this season. With Spire becoming more competitive, Haley could surprise this season and have some good runs.
AJ Allmendinger to Kaulig Racing (#16 Car)
AJ Allmendinger is going back to the Cup Series once again with Kaulig racing this season. He will be one of the top contenders on road courses again and we should get some great battles this season between him and SVG. Otherwise I expect that team to be about the same it has the last few seasons.
Riley Herbst to 23XI Racing (#35 Car)
Riley Herbst also comes up from the Xfinity Series to drive a 3rd car for 23IX Racing. Herbst steps into top-tier equipment at 23XI. However, questions about his talent level remain, and he may struggle to match the car’s potential.
Josh Berry to Wood Brothers Racing (#21 Car)
Josh Berry leaves SHR and takes over a car that has struggled in recent years. As a significant upgrade over Harrison Burton, Berry could elevate the team’s performance if the Penske alliance improves.
Cole Custer to Haas Factory Racing (#41 Car)
Cole Custer is another moving back to the Cup Series after a few years in the Xfinity Series. Custer returns to the Cup Series with the newly formed Haas Factory team, built from SHR’s remnants. Expectations are low as this team operates more like a startup.
Ryan Preece to RFK Racing (#60 Car)
Ryan Preece was the last of the former SHR drivers to find a ride in the offseason but he lands a great opportunity with RFK Racing, which showed a lot of promise last year. This is likely his best chance to excel in the Cup Series.
Michael McDowell to Spire Motorsports (#71 Car)
Michael McDowell leaves Front Row Motorsports where he has spent many years at for the 71 car at Spire Motorsports. Spire is on the upswing as they started to show a lot of speed last season. He is another that should be a top contender on road courses this season and be solid throughout the entire season on all tracks.
The 2025 season will bring fresh rivalries, surprise winners, and exciting championship battles. Here are some season-long bets and predictions:
Trackhouse Racing over 3.5 wins +120 (Caesars)
Trackhouse should rebound after a quieter 2024 season. SVG is likely to secure road course wins, and Chastain has the potential for multiple victories. Suarez is a wildcard, but a four-win season for the team feels realistic.
Chase Elliott +1200 (Caesars)
There are a lot of short odds for the top championship contenders going into the season. I don't see a ton of value out there but I do like Chase Elliott at 12-1 or 11-1 at some books. Elliott, with Hendrick Motorsports' support, is primed for a bounce-back year. Consistency throughout the season should position him as a serious playoff contender.
Ross Chastain +3000 (Draftkings)
To go with the Trackhouse bounce back mindset, I like Ross Chastain as a longshot bet to win the championship. He has experience advancing in the playoffs and it wouldn't be a shock to see them go on a run and be a good value at 30-1.
Rounders Sports is looking to continue to win into the 2025 season and beyond. We will be posting our content for DFS and Sports Betting for NASCAR all season long for every race. Check our site each weekend after practice and qualifying as well as throughout the week for all of our plays.
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Good Luck in 2025 to Everyone!