LIVE FEED: THE BIGGEST UNDERDOGS READY TO SHAKE UP NASCAR IN 2025
Who doesn’t love a good underdog story? The NASCAR Cup Series is known for its fierce competition, but the unpredictable nature of the win-and-in format ensures that any driver can claim glory on a given day. As the 2025 season approaches, several drivers and teams are poised to defy expectations and potentially deliver shocking results.
Let’s dive into the most compelling underdogs heading into a brand-new season.
1. Spire Motorsports: Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell
Spire Motorsports has been making waves since its founding in 2018, but the team’s bold ambitions will be tested on the racetrack in 2025. With a $40 million charter purchase signaling their intent, all eyes are on the performances of their drivers.
Carson Hocevar, who competed in his first full Cup Series season in 2024, has already made an impression. With one top-five and six top-10 finishes, along with the Rookie of the Year award, the young talent proved he has what it takes to compete. If he can replicate his stellar third-place finish at Watkins Glen, Hocevar could become a formidable force in 2025.
For Michael McDowell, it’s a fresh chapter. At 40 years old, the veteran driver joins Spire Motorsports in the No. 71 Chevy. McDowell has been in the Cup Series since 2008, with a career-best finish of 15th in the standings. However, his wealth of experience and Spire’s upgraded equipment could lead to some unexpected victories this season.
2. Shane van Gisbergen: Trackhouse Racing’s New Full-Time Driver
Few stories in NASCAR are as inspiring as Shane van Gisbergen’s rise. The Kiwi driver stunned the racing world with a victory in his Cup Series debut at the 2023 Chicago Street Course. Since then, he has been honing his skills in the Xfinity Series and adapting to the demands of oval racing.
In 2025, SVG will compete full-time with Trackhouse Racing, and his road course expertise makes him a contender to watch. Reflecting on his transition, the Auckland native shared his confidence:
“This is what I have planned for, and I am ready. I know there is a tough learning curve ahead, but the best way to learn is to go out and do it. I look forward to the Cup Series. Those drivers and teams are the best in the world, and it will be an honor to be part of their races.”
With standout performances in 2024—including a second-place finish at Watkins Glen and seventh at the Charlotte Roval—SVG is more than capable of claiming victories in the upcoming season.
3. Ryan Preece: A New Start with RFK Racing
After Stewart-Haas Racing ceased operations in 2024, Ryan Preece found himself without a seat. However, a lifeline came from Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing, which recruited Preece to drive the team’s No. 60 Ford in 2025.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Preece remarked:
“It’s [an opportunity] that I’m really eager and excited for. These guys had speed last year, so for me, it’s a great opportunity—one filled with pressure. But if you’ve looked at my career, I’ve succeeded in those pressure-type situations.”
The Connecticut native aims to improve on his 2024 performance, which included just one top-five finish and a 26th-place ranking in the standings. With RFK Racing’s support, Preece hopes to surprise the field in 2025.
4. Riley Herbst: 23XI Racing’s Rising Star
23XI Racing has taken a gamble on Riley Herbst, bringing him on board as the driver of the No. 35 Toyota. After excelling in the Xfinity Series for Stewart-Haas Racing, Herbst now transitions to full-time Cup Series racing.
Sharing his excitement, the Nevada native said:
“Racing full-time in the Cup Series has been my goal since I started in NASCAR. What 23XI has accomplished in a short time is impressive, and I look forward to building on their success. It’s great to continue representing Monster and adding to their legacy in NASCAR.”
With two Xfinity wins at Indianapolis and Phoenix in 2024, Herbst has proven he can deliver under pressure. Despite his limited Cup Series experience, his talent combined with 23XI Racing’s strong equipment could lead to surprising results.
5. Legacy Motor Club: Rebuilding for the Future
Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, faces a steep learning curve as the owner of Legacy Motor Club (LMC). Unlike 23XI, which benefits from a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, LMC is building success from the ground up.
The team has undergone significant changes, with Jacob Canter joining as competition director, Chad Johnston as Manager of Race Engineering, and Travis Mack as crew chief for John Hunter Nemechek’s team. Johnson is optimistic about the future:
“We’re focused on creating a sustainable structure that will lead to long-term success. The hard work we’re putting in now will pay off in the years to come.”
With drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek retaining their seats, LMC is banking on consistency and internal development to rise through the ranks in 2025.
The 2025 Underdogs to Watch
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series approaches, these underdogs are ready to challenge the status quo. Whether it’s the steady climb of Spire Motorsports, the bold debut of Shane van Gisbergen, or the rebuilding efforts at Legacy Motor Club, this season promises to deliver plenty of surprises.
Stay tuned as these teams and drivers aim to turn their underdog status into championship contention!
