Ranking 5 drivers most likely to win first NASCAR Cup Series title in 2024
As the NASCAR Cup Series launches into the 2024 season, there are five drivers who have proven themselves as the most likely to earn their first Cup title in 2024.
1. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin is the top driver on the list, despite never winning a Cup title. He has shown consistent success with 51 Cup wins and three Championship 4 appearances in the past five years. Hamlin remains optimistic and believes that he has the necessary skills and team support to achieve championship glory in 2024.
Despite some missed opportunities and bad luck, Hamlin's recent performance suggests that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Winning the season-opening Clash has given him a strong start to the year.
2. Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell, a teammate of Denny Hamlin at Joe Gibbs Racing, has made the Championship 4 in the past two years. Although he has yet to win a title, Bell maintains a strong belief in his team's potential. He aims to be in the championship contention every year and is determined to prove himself as a consistent top contender.
With six career wins, including a truck series championship in 2017, Bell has demonstrated his talent and potential. Despite a disappointing end to last season due to a broken brake rotor, he remains focused on the future and is determined to make his mark in 2024.
3. William Byron
At just 26 years old, William Byron is the youngest driver on the list. He had a breakout season in 2023 with six victories and a spot in the Championship 4. Byron has already proven his ability to win championships, having secured the Xfinity Series title as a rookie in 2017.
Byron is eager to build on the successes of 2023 and is motivated to prove that his accomplishments were not a fluke. He believes that his team deserves more credit and aims to win multiple races and establish himself as a dominant force in the Cup Series.
4. Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain, despite being relatively new to the elite Cup scene, has quickly made his mark with four wins in the past two years. He finished second in the standings in 2022 and won the season finale at Phoenix in 2023. These accomplishments indicate that Chastain has the potential to compete at the highest level.
Now entering his third year with Trackhouse Racing, Chastain feels like a legitimate championship contender. He has faith in his team's abilities and looks forward to showing what they can achieve together in 2024.
5. Chris Buescher
Chris Buescher, with the most Cup experience on this list, is entering his 300th start in the seventh race of the season. In 2023, he had his best season yet, securing three victories and a seventh-place overall finish in points. With previous championship success in the Xfinity Series in 2015, Buescher knows what it takes to win.
Buescher's unflappable attitude and experience make him a legitimate contender for the Cup title. He recognizes the challenges ahead but sees it as an opportunity to improve upon his 2023 performance and aim for even greater success.
