In a stunning turn of events just two races into the 2025 NASCAR playoffs, insider Jeff Gluck has dramatically shifted his stance, abandoning his previous allegiance to Team Penske and declaring Toyota the formidable force to beat. This bold assertion follows Denny Hamlin’s electrifying victory at World Wide Technology Raceway, which not only elevated Hamlin but also ignited a firestorm of excitement around the Toyota brand in the competitive realm of NASCAR.
The playoffs kicked off at Darlington Raceway, where Chase Briscoe paved the way for Joe Gibbs Racing by landing a win for Toyota. Hamlin quickly followed suit, delivering a resounding performance at World Wide Technology Raceway that secured back-to-back wins for the team and solidified their positions in the Round of 12. As the dust settles on the Round of 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Hamlin and Briscoe find themselves leading the standings, with Chevrolet’s Kyle Larson trailing in third. Bubba Wallace, steering the #23 Toyota, sits in fourth, while Ryan Blaney from Team Penske occupies the fifth spot. Defending champion Joey Logano, representing Ford, rounds out the top ten, carrying a mere 21-point buffer above the cutline.
In a gripping discussion on The Teardown podcast with host Jordan Bianchi, Gluck candidly reflected on his shifting perceptions. “My whole playoff prediction was based on this Penske theory of flat tracks. Penske is so good at these types of tracks and the championship is going to run through Penske. I no longer think that,” he confessed. With palpable enthusiasm, he added, “It’s pretty clear that Toyota is bringing the smoke, as Joey Logano put it after the race.” Gluck’s conclusion was emphatic: “I’m really thinking that, ‘Hey, Toyota has come out with a statement here, and they are the team or the manufacturer to beat.’”
As the season unfolds, the competition remains fierce. Chevrolet currently leads the pack with 12 victories, bolstered by Shane van Gisbergen’s impressive four wins on road courses. Toyota is nipping at their heels with 11 wins, a significant portion of which can be attributed to Hamlin’s #11 JGR entry, while Ford lags behind with a mere five wins this season.
Hamlin’s triumph at World Wide Technology Raceway was monumental for more than just advancing in the playoffs; it marked a historic milestone as he delivered Toyota’s 200th NASCAR Cup Series victory. This win not only added to Hamlin’s impressive tally, bringing his career total to 59, but it also positioned him at the forefront of the 2025 season with five victories. NASCAR Insights, a key commentator in the sport, highlighted this achievement, noting, “Denny Hamlin wins his 59th career race at St. Louis. (1) 59 wins is one behind Kevin Harvick for 10th all-time. (2) Five wins in 2025 are the most of all drivers. (3) Toyota wins their 200th Cup Series race, 4th manufacturer to accomplish this.”
Such a feat places Toyota in an elite category, becoming the fourth manufacturer to reach this impressive milestone in the NASCAR Cup Series. Chevrolet leads significantly with 878 victories, followed by Ford with 746. Dodge, which exited the sport in 2012, boasted 217 wins during its tenure. Toyota’s journey began as a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2007, with Joe Gibbs Racing’s high-profile switch from Chevrolet in the subsequent year. Since that pivotal moment, Toyota has clinched three championships, with Kyle Busch securing titles in 2015 and 2019, and Martin Truex Jr. claiming the crown in 2017.
As the playoffs progress, all eyes will be on Toyota and particularly Denny Hamlin, whose recent performances have not only reshaped the playoff landscape but also reignited the competitive spirit within NASCAR. The race to glory continues, and with Toyota making a bold statement, fans can expect an exhilarating showdown ahead.
