Alarm bells are echoing through the NASCAR world as racing titans, Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, confront a challenging kick-off to their 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. The surprising start has left fans and pundits questioning whether it’s time for these seasoned drivers to push the panic button. With only three races off the calendar and no victories under their belts, Larson and Hamlin are facing increased scrutiny. But, they remain undeterred, banking on their rich history of mid-season comebacks.
The underwhelming performance is particularly astonishing for Larson and Hamlin, who are considered stalwarts on the NASCAR circuit. Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports, has a reputation for struggling on superspeedways, and finished a mediocre 20th at the Daytona International Speedway. Hamlin, a veteran of Joe Gibbs Racing, didn’t fare much better, finishing 24th at the famed racing venue.
However, the duo showed signs of resurgence at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, where they finished third and sixth respectively. Yet, a less than stellar showing at the Circuit of the Americas road course has reignited concerns about their form this season. Larson lost the lead on the final lap of the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, a disappointment that has led to renewed scrutiny of his performance. Nevertheless, the No. 5 Chevy driver remains optimistic, underlining that his favorite tracks are yet to come.
Larson’s track record indeed lends weight to his optimism. Since February 2022, he has boasted an average finish of 3.3 in four appearances at the Bristol Motor Speedway, including one win and four top-five results. Similarly, Martinsville, Nashville, New Hampshire, and Kansas Speedway are all venues where he has historically excelled, offering ample opportunities to regain lost ground.
Meanwhile, Hamlin faces an additional challenge from within his team. His teammate, Christopher Bell, has made a remarkable start to the 2025 season, prompting speculation about his potential to compete for the title. Hamlin expressed his anxiety over his performance compared to his teammates, while also acknowledging the inherent risks of super-speedway races.
However, Hamlin’s record provides strong evidence that he should not be written off just yet. He has two wins from four appearances at the Bristol Motor Speedway, and an average finish of 3.7 at the Kansas Speedway. The upcoming races at Richmond, Michigan, Nashville, and Dover also hold significant promise for the No. 11 Toyota driver.
Larson and Hamlin are not the only seasoned drivers to have a rocky start in 2025. Brad Keselowski, co-owner and driver for RFK Racing, is also under the spotlight for a series of disappointing finishes. Currently 26th in the drivers’ standing, his performance this season is being closely watched by NASCAR analysts.
Kevin Harvick, a FOX Sports analyst and 2014 championship winner, underscored the importance of consistency for Keselowski. Though Keselowski himself remains hopeful, citing the upcoming races at Phoenix and Vegas as potential turning points for his season.
Despite the rocky start, the upcoming weeks may well decide the fate of these racing veterans. The question remains: Will Larson, Hamlin, and Keselowski manage to change the course of their seasons and secure their places in the NASCAR Cup series? Only time will tell.
