With only three races left in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series regular season, drivers are battling to secure one of the last 16 playoff spots. Chris Buescher of RFK Racing is among those closely monitoring his position as he aims to make the cut. The last race before the playoffs takes place at Daytona International Speedway, a venue known for its unpredictability and potential to shake up the standings.
The Challenge of Racing at Daytona Before the Playoffs
Daytona’s superspeedway format is famous for producing unexpected winners because of its drafting style, which can dramatically impact driver standings. For competitors like Buescher, who has not yet won this season, the stakes are particularly high. Speaking at Watkins Glen, Buescher expressed concern about having to rely on Daytona as his final chance to solidify his playoff spot.
He said,
Certainly not ideal in our situation, right? When you’re close to that cut line. Ultimately, that’s on us not having a win before now. But if we’d been able to win a couple of races through the year by this point, then I’m sure it’s exciting and creates a little bit of extra drama.
—Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Driver
This perspective highlights the pressure drivers face when their entire season hinges on a single, unpredictable race at a superspeedway.
The Mental Toll of Relying on a Win at Daytona
Buescher further elaborated on the mental strain involved in having the season come down to such a critical race. He explained that while consistent performance is important, the absence of a win can leave a driver vulnerable to elimination due to one off day or unlucky circumstance at a track like Daytona.
He added,
That’s the hard part when you talk about championship racing and putting your whole season together. When it comes down to that race and how that can be that kicker that takes a year where you felt like you were very consistent and fast but just didn’t get the win you needed to and kick you out of the playoffs. So, it’s not my favorite option.
—Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Driver
His comments recognize how pivotal a single victory can be mentally, especially when top performances have not translated into a win until late in the season.
Comparisons and Reflections on Victory Lane’s Impact
Buescher acknowledged the excitement that racing at Daytona can offer fans and drivers alike but admitted that his current situation makes it less appealing. He suggested that his outlook might improve if he manages to secure a win soon, whether at Watkins Glen, Richmond, or even at Daytona itself. The difference a win makes is significant in alleviating pressure and shaping a driver’s mindset during the playoff battle.
This high-stakes environment contrasts with comments from Bubba Wallace, who after winning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway recently described the remaining races as more of a “vacation,” demonstrating the relief that victory can bring to those competing for playoff position.
Buescher’s Current Standing and Competition Within RFK Racing
Currently, Buescher sits 11th in the points standings, trailing the leader by 196 points. His season features three top-five finishes and eleven top-10 placements, showcasing consistent performance. However, alongside him in the fight for playoff spots are his RFK Racing teammates Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski, adding internal competition to the mix as the regular season winds down.
The Significance of Daytona in Shaping the 2025 Playoffs
Daytona International Speedway’s role as the final regular-season race ensures heightened drama and uncertainty for drivers like Chris Buescher. Success or failure there could determine who advances to contend for the championship, making it a critical moment in the Cup Series calendar. How Buescher and others respond to this challenge will have a major impact on the makeup of the 2025 playoffs and the championship chase ahead.