Rivalries are the heart and soul of sports, and NASCAR is no exception. Whether it’s hot tempers flaring on the track, intense battles for the lead, or some headline-worthy trash talk in post-race interviews, rivalries are what keep fans glued to their seats—and 2025 has already delivered on this front. This season is packed with storylines about heated feuds and friendly-yet-intense competition, adding plenty of drama to the NASCAR Cup Series. From long-standing tensions to surprising new clashes, here’s a closer look at the biggest rivalries driving the excitement this year.

Kyle Larson vs. Christopher Bell

If there’s one rivalry fans can’t stop talking about in 2025, it’s the showdown between Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell. What makes this rivalry so fascinating is its blend of respect and sheer competitiveness. Both drivers, favorites to win this year’s championship, have a history that goes beyond just NASCAR racing. Their rivalry was born on the dirt tracks, where they battled for supremacy long before they were trading paint in the Cup Series.

The buzz around Larson and Bell skyrocketed after their electrifying photo-finish duel during the 2025 Tulsa Shootout. Larson, known for his dominance in both dirt racing and NASCAR, openly admitted he underestimated Bell’s return to dirt racing after a hiatus. Bell, on the other hand, was quick to acknowledge that racing against Larson keeps him sharp.

Their battles aren’t limited to dirt, though. The two have already clashed on asphalt this season, with Bell snatching a narrow victory from Larson at the Auto Club Speedway. Late in the race, a bold move by Bell forced Larson to check up, costing him valuable seconds. Larson wasn’t shy about sharing his frustration during his post-race interview, calling Bell’s block “borderline reckless.” Yet, somehow, this rivalry remains rooted in mutual respect, making it one of the most compelling dynamics in NASCAR today.

Denny Hamlin vs. Joey Logano

What’s a NASCAR season without Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano stirring the pot? These two veterans, both multi-time champions, have a history as tumultuous as it gets, and 2025 has reignited the rivalry. Known for their contrasting styles and personalities, Hamlin’s meticulous racing clashes with Logano’s aggressive, elbows-out approach.

Tensions boiled over once again earlier this season during the race at Bristol. Logano’s late-race bump-and-run sent Hamlin up the track and out of contention for the win. After the race, Hamlin didn’t hold back, accusing Logano of “forgetting how to race clean.” Logano, true to form, shrugged it off, claiming it was “just short-track racing.”

But the drama didn’t end there. The two were also involved in an off-track spat after Hamlin called Logano’s driving style “desperate” on his podcast. Logano fired back via social media, posting a clip of Hamlin’s own aggressive moves from years past, with the caption, “Pot, meet kettle.” The feud has fans divided, with some loving the drama while others are tired of their endless back-and-forth. Either way, Hamlin and Logano’s rivalry continues to be a must-watch storyline.

Tyler Reddick vs. Ross Chastain

Every year seems to bring a new driver into the spotlight, and for 2025, it’s Tyler Reddick and Ross Chastain. While both are relatively young compared to veterans like Hamlin and Logano, their on-track battles have been anything but subtle.

The rivalry heated up after the two collided at Talladega. Chastain aggressively fought for the lead, cutting across Reddick’s nose and triggering a massive wreck that took out several contenders. Although both drivers were uninjured, the incident sparked a heated exchange in the pits, with Reddick confronting Chastain about his “reckless” driving. Chastain, never one to back down, argued it was just hard racing, though fans and analysts alike questioned whether his move crossed the line.

Since then, any time these two are near each other on the track, fans can feel the tension. Whether it’s fighting for position or trading paint, their competitive dynamic adds an edge of unpredictability to every race they’re in together.

Chase Elliott vs. William Byron

Teammates often make for the best rivalries, and that’s exactly what’s brewing at Hendrick Motorsports between Chase Elliott and William Byron. Elliott, the 2020 champion, is undeniably the face of the team, but Byron has emerged as a serious contender in recent years. The tension between the two has grown as Byron racks up wins and challenges Elliott for the top-dog status within the organization.

At Atlanta earlier this season, the pair found themselves racing neck and neck for the win. Elliott tagged Byron’s rear bumper during the final lap, sending him up the track and fishing away the victory. While Elliott called it a “racing incident,” Byron’s frustration was evident when he declined to comment after the race.

What makes this rivalry so compelling is its subtlety. Unlike some of the more explosive feuds in NASCAR, this one plays out through quiet jabs and on-track actions rather than fiery words. Still, the competition between Elliott and Byron underscores the high stakes at Hendrick, where only one driver can dominate the limelight.

Bubba Wallace vs. Ryan Blaney

It’s always interesting when friends become rivals, and that’s been the case for Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney in 2025. Off the track, the two are known for their camaraderie and lighthearted banter, but on the track, it’s a different story.

The rivalry started innocently enough, with the two frequently battling for position in the top 10. But things turned tense at the Chicago Street Race when Wallace accidentally bumped Blaney into the wall while vying for third place. Blaney’s day was done, and Wallace still managed to finish in the top five, but the incident left a sour taste.

Blaney called the move “careless,” though he stopped short of accusing Wallace of anything intentional. Wallace later apologized, chalking it up to the chaos of street racing. The two have since raced each other hard but clean, though fans can’t help but wonder if the tension will eventually boil over into something more dramatic.