Denny Hamlin’s position in the NASCAR Cup Series standings dropped to fifth after he missed the race in Mexico City held this past weekend, shifting the overall rankings of several key drivers. Hamlin, who had risen to third place after his recent victory in Michigan, did not participate in the Mexico event due to family reasons, allowing others to surpass him in the points race.
This notable change has seen Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell move up to third place following his second-place finish in Mexico City. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott, who placed third in the race, advanced from fifth to fourth in the standings.
Impact of Hamlin’s Absence on Competitors
Hamlin’s absence has benefited drivers who performed well in Mexico, reshaping the championship leaderboard. Christopher Bell now trails only William Byron and Kyle Larson, who hold the first and second spots respectively. Byron leads the series with 604 points, while Larson maintains second place with 537 points.
Chase Elliott’s strong showing earned him valuable points, pushing him ahead of Hamlin. Elliott’s progress underscores the intense competition at the top of the standings as the season moves forward.
Other drivers also made gains in the rankings, most notably Michael McDowell, who climbed seven places from 23rd to 16th after securing a fifth-place finish that brought significant stage points. McDowell’s move above the playoff cut-off line marks a crucial moment for his campaign this season.
Setbacks for Other Drivers and Playoff Implications
Kyle Busch experienced a setback, dropping three positions to 18th overall after an early wreck in Mexico City ended his race prematurely. This fall below the playoff line affects his chances of qualifying for the postseason sharply.
Shane van Gisbergen, the race winner in Mexico City, has locked himself into the 2025 NASCAR playoffs despite currently being 30th in the standings. His victory guarantees a playoff spot, illustrating how a single strong performance can secure postseason eligibility.
Full NASCAR Cup Series Standings After Mexico City
The latest standings reflect a highly competitive field, with drivers jostling for positions ahead of the playoffs. The top 16 positions are as follows:
- William Byron* (No. 24, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) – 604 points (172 stage points), 12 playoff points
- Kyle Larson* (No. 5, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) – 537 points (132 stage points), 23 playoff points
- Christopher Bell* (No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) – 524 points (90 stage points), 16 playoff points
- Chase Elliott (No. 9, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) – 500 points (87 stage points), 0 playoff points
- Denny Hamlin* (No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) – 494 points (124 stage points), 18 playoff points
- Tyler Reddick (No. 23, 23XI Racing Toyota) – 477 points (116 stage points), 0 playoff points
- Ryan Blaney* (No. 12, Team Penske Ford) – 466 points (145 stage points), 8 playoff points
- Ross Chastain* (No. 1, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet) – 443 points (44 stage points), 5 playoff points
- Joey Logano* (No. 22, Team Penske Ford) – 411 points (83 stage points), 7 playoff points
- Bubba Wallace (No. 23, 23XI Racing Toyota) – 411 points (110 stage points), 2 playoff points
- Chase Briscoe (No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) – 393 points (33 stage points), 0 playoff points
- Alex Bowman (No. 48, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) – 376 points (91 stage points), 0 playoff points
- Chris Buescher (No. 17, RFK Racing Ford) – 373 points (45 stage points), -4 playoff points
- Ryan Preece (No. 60, RFK Racing Ford) – 354 points (58 stage points), 2 playoff points
- Austin Cindric* (No. 2, Team Penske Ford) – 337 points (95 stage points), 7 playoff points
- Michael McDowell (No. 71, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet) – 330 points (27 stage points), 0 playoff points
(* indicates drivers already locked into the 2025 playoffs)
Significance of the Current Standings and What to Expect
Denny Hamlin’s fall in NASCAR standings is significant as it illustrates how missing a single race can dramatically impact a driver’s playoff positioning. The climbs by Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell intensify the fight for top spots, making the remainder of the season critical for championship contenders.
With the playoffs approaching, every race and point will be crucial in this fiercely competitive series. Drivers like Michael McDowell and Shane van Gisbergen have notably shaken up the standings, revealing potential dark horses and new challengers.
The ongoing shifts highlight the importance of consistent performance and attendance. For Hamlin, returning to action with renewed focus will be essential to regain lost ground and contend for the championship.
“The driver of the No. 11 decided not to travel to Mexico for this past weekend’s event due to family reasons.”
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“One driver to profit from his absence is the Cup Series’ most popular driver, Chase Elliott, who has climbed from fifth to fourth following his stellar performance in Mexico City (3rd).”
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“Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell has also leapfrogged the driver of the No. 11 following his second-place finish in Mexico, with the driver of the No. 20 now sitting third overall in the standings.”
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“Michael McDowell has moved up seven spots overall from 23rd to 16th following Sunday’s race, now above the playoff cut-off line following a fifth-place finish.”
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“Kyle Busch has fallen below the cut-off line, dropping three spots to 18th overall after his race in Mexico City was cut short due to a lap-seven wreck.”
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“Sunday’s race winner, Shane van Gisbergen, has now locked himself into the 2025 playoffs with his victory, despite still sitting way down in 30th position overall.”
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