Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson Earn Top NASCAR Cup Series’ 2025 Championship Odds; Denny Hamlin’s Team Penalized

NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney feels like his team’s “good rhythm” is generating a “well-oiled machine.”

Buoyed by eight top-10 finishes in his past nine starts, the 2023 circuit champion enters the Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on one of his best streaks of his career.

“I feel like we’ve just kind of gotten into this good rhythm, and that stuff just grows over time,” Blaney said, as reported by NASCAR.com. “So yeah, I just think we’re executing the way we need to. I feel like our mindset is just in a good place right now, where everyone’s extremely confident in themselves and their ability, and they believe it, and that stuff definitely helps, you know? So it’s the belief that we can do it.

“And you know, we’ve had the belief that we can do it (for) the last two, three years. They’re poised to do it, and it’s really fun to be part of a group like that that has that mindset, like everyone’s clicking together, everyone has each other’s backs, like we support if I make a mistake, they’re right there to support me. If they make a mistake, I support them, you know?

“That’s just how a team works. So yeah, I just think we are a pretty well-oiled machine.”

Over his past three Championship 4 runs, Blaney used similar hot streaks to post one title and two runner-up finishes in the final standings.

At +450, Blaney and Kyle Larson were tabbed with the circuit’s top sports-betting odds to capture the 2025 drivers’ championship, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Ryan Blaney had a good laugh when his 4-year-old nephew got on his radio during the Bristol race — thankfully, under caution. He gives the back story and indicates they will make sure the radio in the motorhome is in a listen-only mode from now on. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/Stpkm7QxCZ

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 16, 2025

Denny Hamlin’s Pit Crew Receives 2 Suspensions

During Sunday’s Round of 16 finale, Denny Hamlin’s machine lost a wheel. Citing a safety violation, NASCAR officials came down on the Joe Gibbs Racing organization, suspending two crew members for two races.

The right-front wheel deserted the No. 11 Toyota on Lap 384 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Hamlin immediately served a two-lap penalty and went from a race contender to P31.

NASCAR officials issued the penalties to Austin Maloney (front tire changer) and Joel Bouagnon (jack) Tuesday. The crew members will miss Loudon and the Sept. 28 event at Kansas Speedway.

Hamlin, a five-time race winner this season, seeks his first circuit championship. He enters Sunday’s race ranked No. 1 in the Round of 12 standings, 26 points above the cutoff line. He drew +500 odds to win the title.

Best solo performance at Bristol 20250913: Denny Hamlin’s right front tire. pic.twitter.com/Czjd5paM4x

— Sidney White (@SclgWhite) September 15, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Odds

Here are the drivers’ odds for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series drivers’ championship, according to FanDuel Sportsbook: 

*-Odds current at time of publication