The NASCAR Cup Series standings after Sonoma show Hendrick Motorsports drivers Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron maintaining strong positions for The Chase playoffs. With three drivers inside the top eight, the team continues its dominance in the 2025 season.
KEY FACTS
- Team: Hendrick Motorsports
- Drivers: Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron
- Race: Sonoma Raceway
- Key: All three remain in Chase contention
Standings Overview
After the Sonoma race, Kyle Larson leads the Cup Series standings with three wins and 12 top-10 finishes. Chase Elliott ranks fourth, buoyed by consistent points finishes, while William Byron sits seventh, securing his postseason spot with multiple stage wins. The trio has combined for six victories in 2025, reinforcing Hendrick's status as a powerhouse. (Read more motorsports news)
Chase Qualification Picture
With 10 races remaining before the playoffs, Larson has virtually locked his spot via wins. Elliott and Byron are comfortably above the cutline, leveraging stage points and top-15 finishes. Hendrick Motorsports remains the only full-time team with three drivers in the top eight of the regular-season standings.
Team Performance Analysis
Larson's average finish of 8.2 leads the series, while Elliott's 10.4 average reflects his consistency. Byron has surged with three top-fives in the last five races, indicating strong form. Crew chiefs Cliff Daniels, Alan Gustafson, and Rudy Fugle have optimized pit strategy and car setups, contributing to the team's success.
Implications for The Chase
Hendrick's depth could create multiple title threats. Larson seeks a second Cup championship, while Elliott aims to return to title contention after a winless 2024. Byron, the youngest of the trio, continues to mature as a contender. The team's engine program and engineering resources give them a slight edge over competitors like Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske.
Next Steps
The Cup Series heads to Nashville Superspeedway next weekend, followed by road courses at Chicago and Watkins Glen. Larson is favored at Nashville, but Elliott and Byron will aim to pad their points. The regular-season finale at Daytona in August will set the final Chase grid, with Hendrick expected to qualify all four cars (including Alex Bowman) for the playoffs.
| Driver | Wins | Top-5s | Top-10s | Points Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | 3 | 8 | 12 | 1st |
| Chase Elliott | 1 | 6 | 10 | 4th |
| William Byron | 2 | 5 | 9 | 7th |