The 2025 edition of NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend at Darlington delivered drama, heartbreak, and historical nods in equal measure. Here’s a deeper look into what made headlines and what fell short during this eventful weekend:
Winners
1. Denny Hamlin – A Veteran in Peak Form
Hamlin’s 56th career Cup Series victory wasn’t just another win—it was a testament to strategic excellence and pit crew precision. While not the dominant car all day, his team’s clever jack technique and perfectly executed final pit stop handed him back-to-back wins for the first time since 2012. This performance shows Hamlin still has championship-caliber grit despite a season of off-track changes.
2. William Byron – A Rare Dominance Display
Even though he didn’t take the checkered flag, Byron’s 243 laps led unchallenged is the kind of old-school domination we haven’t seen in decades. It sent a clear message: he’s not just fast—he’s controlling races, making him a clear title contender.
3. Brandon Jones – A Well-Earned Xfinity Comeback
Jones beating out Cup-level talent in the Xfinity race makes this a statement win. After three years without a victory, he proved he still belongs among the top Xfinity drivers and reestablished momentum for his career.
4. Ty Gibbs – Finally Finding His Feet
After a frustrating start to 2025, Gibbs has quietly started to climb out of the cellar. Back-to-back solid finishes, including a top-10 at Darlington, show the No. 54 team might be turning a corner.
5. The Spirit of Throwback Weekend – Alive and Well
Despite complaints about sponsor limitations and partial participation, Throwback Weekend’s core—honoring NASCAR’s roots—remained strong. With legends like Carl Edwards and the Pettys adding historical weight, and teams like the Wood Brothers embracing creativity, the tradition remains worth keeping.
Losers
1. Kyle Larson – A Weekend to Forget
Winning “Best in Show” for his Kellogg’s throwback paint scheme was the only bright spot. Two separate incidents—including one that ended the race under caution—left him many laps down and, more importantly, influenced the outcome of the race in dramatic fashion.
2. Ryan Blaney – So Close, Yet Again Denied
Blaney had the speed and tenacity to win but got derailed by late-race chaos and yet another bad break on pit road. His fifth-place finish doesn’t reflect how strong he was, and it continues a painful string of near-misses.
3. Brad Keselowski – From Defending Winner to Distant 33rd
What started as a promising day for RFK Racing spiraled quickly for Keselowski after a loose wheel incident. The bad luck continues for the 2012 champ, whose 2025 season remains stuck in a downward spiral.
4. Throwback Weekend Critics – Missing the Point
Some drivers voiced their discontent about Throwback Weekend losing its luster. But the tradition is more than paint schemes—it’s about storytelling, honoring legends, and connecting generations. As long as NASCAR leans into that spirit, Throwback Weekend remains a unique and valuable celebration of the sport’s roots.
Final Thoughts
This year’s Throwback Weekend offered a bit of everything: historic highs, emotional lows, and enough chaos to remind everyone why Darlington is still “Too Tough To Tame.” Hamlin’s savvy, Byron’s strength, and the endurance of NASCAR’s traditions proved the old can still shine in the modern era.
