2025 NASCAR Playoff Standings updated after Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway

NASCAR has updated its playoff standings after the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday night. Chase Briscoe won the race and advances to the second round of the playoffs.

There are now two races remaining before the playoff field is cut from 16 to 12 drivers. Here’s a look at the updated NASCAR Playoff standings.

Rank	Driver	Playoff Points
1	Chase Briscoe	Win
2	Denny Hamlin	+43
3	Kyle Larson	+38
4	Tyler Reddick	+35
5	Bubba Wallace	+25
6	William Byron	+25
7	Ryan Blaney	+22
8	Ross Chastain	+21
9	Austin Cindric	+12
10	Christopher Bell	+11
11	Chase Elliott	+9
12	Shane van Gisbergen	+3
13	Joey Logano	-3
14	Austin Dillon	-8
15	Alex Bowman	-19
16	Josh Berry	-19

Because Briscoe won the Darlington race, he sits on top of the standings and can just focus on earning points in the next two races. Denny Hamlin moved up from third to second, while Kyle Larson dropped from second to third.

Joey Logano, who won the Cup Series title last year, is now in danger of being eliminated. He can make up the three-point difference with either a win or a strong finish in the next two races. Alex Bowman and Josh Berry are in serious danger of missing the next round after having rough outings at the Southern 500.

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After the race, Briscoe reacted to advancing to the Round of 12. “Man, just incredible, Bass Pro Shops. As a fan, I’ve watched Martin dominate a lot of races, and it was fun to be behind the wheel of it,” Briscoe said.

“So cool to win two Southern 500s in a row. This is my favorite race of the year. Just because you race fans, every time we come here, the place is sold out, the atmosphere here is like nowhere else.”

The 16 NASCAR playoff drivers will continue their quest for a championship on Sunday, Sept. 7, when they compete in the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway. The race will start at 3 p.m. ET and air on USA.