The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs of 2025 began with a lot of drama, and the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 13 provided the fans with another melodramatic affair. The half-mile track under the bright lights deserved the severe reputation it had.
Christopher Bell, who was driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, snatched the win with a late restart. He was required to defend his position against Brad Keselowski during the last laps to do so.
This victory by Bell was a clean sweep by Joe Gibbs Racing in round 16. Chase Briscoe took the victory at Darlington Raceway, Denny Hamlin took the victory at the Gateway Motorsports Park, and now Bell took the victory at Bristol.
This night, the fight over 500 laps reduced the number of drivers in the playoffs to 12. Alex Bowman, Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Josh Berry were four drivers who were eliminated as champions.
Chaos on the Concrete
The Bristol concrete track is also known as the one that eats tires and makes people lose patience. Drivers were forced to deal with tire wear and avoid trouble, and that was not that simple.
Josh Berry’s No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford caught fire around Lap 74, forcing him to pit on Lap 76 and ending his race and his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs run, according to Zach Sturniolo of NASCAR.com.
Chase Elliott was involved in a mid-race accident and was heavily damaged. At one point, it seemed as though he was going to lose the playoffs, but with a squeeze, he managed to make it, as reported by Nick Degroot of Motorsport.
In the meantime, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson both secured their place due to good Stage 1 performances, and Austin Cindric was just able to hold the final transfer position.
Bell’s win came boldly, too. With just three laps left, he made a daring three-wide move to take the lead. It was his fourth win of the season, and it launched him to the top of the reset standings with 60 playoff points.
Updated Playoff Picture
After the Bristol elimination race, the playoff standings reset for the Round of 12 per NASCAR.com. Here’s where everyone stands heading into the next round:
Denny Hamlin – No. 11 | Toyota | Joe Gibbs Racing – +26 points
William Byron – No. 24 | Chevrolet | Hendrick Motorsports – +24 points
Kyle Larson – No. 5 | Chevrolet | Hendrick Motorsports – +24 points
Christopher Bell – No. 20 | Toyota | Joe Gibbs Racing – +20 points
Ryan Blaney – No. 12 | Ford | Team Penske – +19 points
Chase Briscoe – No. 19 | Toyota | Joe Gibbs Racing – +10 points
Chase Elliott – No. 9 | Chevrolet | Hendrick Motorsports – +5 points
Bubba Wallace – No. 23 | Toyota | 23XI Racing – +1 point
Cutline
Austin Cindric – No. 2 | Ford | Team Penske – -1 point
Joey Logano – No. 22 | Ford | Team Penske – -2 points
Ross Chastain – No. 1 | Chevrolet | Trackhouse Racing – -2 points
Tyler Reddick – No. 45 | Toyota | 23XI Racing – -3 points
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 Heats Up
The Round of 12 rounds commences on September 21 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The drivers will then go to Kansas Speedway on September 27 and to the tricky Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval on October 4.
As Bell won the big one and Joe Gibbs Racing claimed the first three playoff races, the mounting pressure is gaining momentum fast. The championship race is going to be even tougher.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Standings After Bristol Motor Speedway