5 More Underrated NASCAR Drivers from 2025

Yesterday, I looked at 5  of the most underrated drivers in 2025 so far this season in the world of NASCAR. But there are lots of drivers out there doing great work that not enough people are talking about. So today, we’ll shine another giant, bright, beaming spotlight on these drivers. And go over five more underrated drivers this year!

Our No. 5 Most Underrated Driver is Dean Thompson

Dean Thompson is incredibly consistent and clean in his racecraft. A whopping 18 top 20s, only one DNF, and 16 LLFs. Top 10s at Martinsville, Bristol, and Charlotte (top 5), which are skill-based tracks. Thompson is using his late-model prowess to do much better in Xfinity than in the aero-based truck series. With Thompson in the mid-pack, Sam Hunt Racing is having a better average finish with 17.3 than he had in either of his full-time truck series seasons with a top team in TRICON.

Now out is No. 4: The Most Underrated Driver, Brennan Poole

Brennan Poole has been better than last year, with 2 top 5s at Martinsville and Rockingham, outperforming his equipment as always. Case in point, Logano was barely able to put the AM Racing car in the top 10 twice last year, and that’s a better-funded team. I vividly remember not being able to get a lot of speed in it, and it’s Logano, man. Like him or not, he’s one of our generation’s greatest talents (despite his current slump). Remember how stupidly good he was in Xfinity. I think he’s the next Justin Allgaier, seeing how much he’s outperforming that crapwagon.

No. 3 for Our Most Underrated Driver of 2025: Gio Ruggerio

Gio Ruggerio is quietly having a good rookie year, with a notable debut finish and only 3 finishes outside the top 20. Ironically, one of his only finishes outside the top 20 began with him earning his first and only career pole. His 7 top tens total so far are more than the rest of the full-time rookies’ top tens combined, with 6, including Frankie Muniz, de la Pera, Mosack, Sutton, and Breidinger. With Breidinger, who’s Gio’s teammate, notably adding 0 top tens to that list.

The Second Most Underrated Driver of 2025: Chase Briscoe

How have people not noticed how ridiculously consistent the former Ford man has been this year? Chase Briscoe has a better average finish than Hamlin to start us off, and in the Winston points system, he’s 3rd in points. He’s very fast every single weekend, and he’s finally living up to his full potential. Going from nearly being out of the sport to becoming one of its best drivers is a journey to admire and respect.

Our No. 1 pick from the Xfinity Series: Taylor Gray

When we look back on the 2025 Xfinity Series rookie class, it’s going to be the stuff of legend. While Gray doesn’t have the consistency of his fellow rookies like Kvapil or Zilisch, his flashes of potential have been frequent and very impressive. Gray is coming this close to getting his first win multiple times already this year. Coming within inches of passing Daniel Suarez for the win at Mexico and, of course, getting dumped out of the win by Sammy Smith at Martinsville, plus his impressive 2nd at Texas coming back from almost spinning in the opening lap. Doing an impressive save to go along with a great drive.

As a Bonus: ARCA Menards’ Most Underrated Driver is Andy Jankowiak

While ARCA’s status as a racing series is questioned by some, and they have their reasons, it can’t be questioned how much Andy Jankowiak has been outdriving his equipment this year! Despite running only 7 races, he has secured 5 top 10s and remains 9th in points, all while competing in a relatively small team he owns. Keeping up the impressive form we’ve seen from him in 2023 and 2024. Thanks a bunch for reading!