NASCAR Cup Standings After Pocono: Byron Leads Points, Larson Tops Playoffs

Following the intense racing action at Pocono Raceway, the NASCAR Cup Series points standings and playoff picture saw key shifts, though the top contenders largely maintained their positions. While William Byron holds a solid lead in the overall points battle, Kyle Larson sits atop the provisional playoff grid thanks to his multiple victories this season.

Byron Maintains Points Lead Despite Pocono Challenge

William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team continue their impressive 2025 campaign by leading the NASCAR Cup Series points standings after Pocono. Despite a less-than-ideal finish at the “Tricky Triangle,” Byron retains his top spot. His lead currently stands at 54 points over teammate Kyle Larson.

This consistent performance isn’t new for Byron; he’s been a fixture at the top of the standings throughout the season, holding a significant advantage over the field for several weeks. His points total of 623 after Pocono highlights his strong average finish (leading the series before the race with a 10.4 average) and ability to collect stage points and finishes within the top half of the field consistently. In fact, before Pocono, his 604 points through 16 races were the most in the Next Gen era at that stage, and his lead had grown as large as 67 points over Larson.

Larson Leads Playoff Grid on Strength of Wins

While second in the overall points standings, Kyle Larson is the effective leader of the NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings. The playoff grid prioritizes race wins, and Larson currently boasts a series-leading three victories in 2025. These wins automatically lock him into the postseason field.

The current playoff picture sees 10 different drivers having secured a spot in the 16-driver field by winning a race this season: Kyle Larson (3 wins), Denny Hamlin (3 wins), Christopher Bell (3 wins), William Byron (1 win), Ryan Blaney (1 win), Ross Chastain (1 win), Chase Briscoe (1 win), Joey Logano (1 win), Austin Cindric (1 win), and Josh Berry (1 win). The remaining spots in the 16-driver field are filled by the winless drivers highest in points.

Hendrick Motorsports Stronghold

All four Hendrick Motorsports entries remain in solid shape relative to the playoff cut line after the Pocono race.

Kyle Larson and William Byron are already locked into the playoffs via their wins.
Chase Elliott, who is still seeking his first win of the season, is in the best position of any winless driver. Thanks to consistent finishes (including being the only driver to finish in the top 20 in every race leading into Pocono), Elliott sits a comfortable 160 points above the playoff cutoff line.

Alex Bowman currently holds the final transfer spot into the playoffs, positioned 16th and 20 points to the good following Pocono.

The team’s overall performance this season has been dominant. Hendrick Motorsports has led a remarkable portion of the laps raced, secured numerous stage wins, and is the only team with at least one top-five finish in every Cup event this year, extending a lengthy streak of consecutive top-five runs. Their historical success at tracks like Pocono, where they hold the all-time record for wins and other key metrics, also bodes well for their championship aspirations.

The Playoff Bubble Heating Up

With the playoffs looming, the battle for the final transfer spots based on points is intensifying. After Pocono, the gap between the 16th and 17th positions is a tight 20 points. Alex Bowman currently holds the final spot (+20), with Ryan Preece (-20) being the first driver below the cut line. Other drivers just outside the bubble include AJ Allmendinger (-59), Erik Jones (-62), and Kyle Busch (-63). Every point and position gained or lost in the coming weeks will be critical for those vying for a playoff berth without a win.

Here is a look at the provisional playoff standings after the race at Pocono:

| DRIVER | WINS | POINTS | STATUS/DIFF |
| :————— | :— | :—– | :———- |
| 1. Kyle Larson | 3 | 569 | ADV |
| 2. Denny Hamlin | 3 | 545 | ADV |
| 3. Chris Bell | 3 | 544 | ADV |
| 4. William Byron | 1 | 623 | ADV |
| 5. Ryan Blaney | 1 | 503 | ADV |
| 6. Ross Chastain | 1 | 454 | ADV |
| 7. Chase Briscoe | 1 | 450 | ADV |
| 8. Joey Logano | 1 | 436 | ADV |
| 9. Austin Cindric| 1 | 368 | ADV |
| 10. Josh Berry | 1 | 354 | ADV |
| 11. Shane vG | 1 | 248 | ADV |
| 12. Chase Elliott| 0 | 543 | +160 |
| 13. Tyler Reddick| 0 | 490 | +107 |
| 14. Chris Buesch| 0 | 421 | +38 |
| 15. Bubba Wall. | 0 | 412 | +29 |
| 16. Alex Bowman | 0 | 403 | +20 |
| — CUT LINE — | — | —– | ———– |
| 17. Ryan Preece | 0 | 383 | -20 |
| 18. AJ Allmend. | 0 | 344 | -59 |
| 19. Erik Jones | 0 | 341 | -62 |
| 20. Kyle Busch | 0 | 340 | -63 |