We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the season back in February at Daytona. Now just one race remains in the season – the 2025 NASCAR Championship.
Four drivers remain with a chance to claim the top prize in NASCAR: Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, William Byron, and Kyle Larson. The highest finisher in Sunday’s race claims the championship.
Who comes out on top?
Let’s dive in.
2025 NASCAR Championship Entry List
Just two drivers outside of the 36 full-time entrants will compete this weekend in Phoenix. Casey Mears will once again be behind the wheel of the #66 for Garage 66, and JJ Yeley will pilot the #44 entry for NY Racing.
One race that will change a driver's legacy forever.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 29, 2025
This is the #Championship4. pic.twitter.com/pMMIzwsMpP
As for the on-track product at Phoenix, the track hasn’t produced the best racing of late. The intrigue of the championship presents the biggest drama, and a late caution can shake things up, but the track has always been a tough place to pass. Add the struggles of the NextGen car, and I don’t have high hopes for a barnburner. Still, I’m excited to see who brings the best car to the track this weekend with the season on the line.
2025 NASCAR Championship Predictions
Each of the four drivers competing for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship has at least one past win at Phoenix. I expect each of the competitors to be among the top ten all day, and the winner of the race will likely come from the Championship Four.
William Byron carries a ton of momentum into the season finale after winning last week at Martinsville and finished 6th here in the spring. Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson finished 2nd and 3rd here back in the spring.
He started this playoff journey with a win.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 29, 2025
Bookend victories would have @chasebriscoe hoisting the Bill France Cup on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/IBcxSjyVt8
Meanwhile, Chase Briscoe finished 35th after getting caught up in an accident. However, Chase Briscoe’s lone Phoenix win came while running for Stewart-Haas as the team was in a notable downswing. I believe Briscoe, running in much better equipment, will inevitably factor into the race for the championship as well.
In fact, I’m taking Chase Briscoe to claim the checkered flag on Sunday and claim his first NASCAR Championship.
Lower Series Championship Quick Picks
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Corey Heim
NASCAR Xfinity Series – Justin Allgaier
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend!
Friday 10/31
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 2:35 p.m. CT on FS2
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race – 6:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 11/01
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 (ARCA Menards West Series) – 12:30 p.m. CT on FloRacing
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 2:30 p.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 4:00 p.m. CT on TruTV
NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race – 6:30 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 11/02
NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race – 2:00 p.m. CT on NBC and HBO Max
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