The 2025 NASCAR playoffs began with a bang under the lights at Darlington Raceway, where Chase Briscoe dominated the crown jewel race, leading 309 of 367 laps. He became the first driver since Greg Biffle in 2005-06 to win back-to-back Southern 500s. Toyota’s strength defined the night. They had six of the top seven finishers representing the manufacturer. In stark contrast, Chevrolet’s powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports endured one of its worst collective playoff starts.

For Hendrick Motorsports, Darlington was a painful reminder of the unforgiving nature of the postseason. Chase Elliott managed only 17th, Kyle Larson fell to 19th, William Byron slumped to 21st, and Alex Bowman endured a disastrous 40-second pit stop en route to 31st. Not since 2019 had all four Hendrick entries finished ou

See Full Page