For those mathematically inclined, we’re exactly two thirds through the arduous slog that is the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Just two races remain before the playoff field is set and we begin the process of crowning the 2024 champion.
Thirteen drivers are locked in, courtesy of those all-important race win(s), and three final places are up for grabs. And with the very definition of a wild card race at Daytona International Speedway under the Saturday night lights this weekend (Aug. 24), there’s still time for a wheelman well below the cut line to race their way into the postseason.
So as thoughts turn to who will be the driver celebrating on the championship stage at Phoenix Raceway on November 10th, I can’t help but wonder if, like last year with Ryan Blaney, we’ll be celebrating a first-time champ. With that in mind, here are four drivers who might just win an inaugural title.
Tyler Reddick
To say Tyler Reddick has been on a heater of late would be putting it mildly. He leads the series in top fives (11) — two ahead of Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson — and he also leads the series in top 10s (17) by a landslide; William Byron and Christopher Bell are tied for second with 13.
He also holds the best average finish (10.5) by a nose from Chase Elliott (10.6), and in his last seven races has finished sixth, third, second, sixth, second, third and first.
And, as team owner Hamlin noted (and yes, albeit he has a vested interest): “‘Hey, this is Week 24. You don’t lead the standings at Week 24 on a fluke. This isn’t early season, and you just had a couple good races, whatever. This is sustained consistency week in and week out.”
Now there’s an argument to be made that he’s peaking a bit too soon, but the fact is he’s been fast all season on all types of tracks. Provided he continues to do what he’s done since February, there’s no reason to expect a drop off.
A big advantage for Reddick this year will be the bonus points that carry over between the first three rounds. Last year he came into the playoffs with nine. This year it could be three times that amount, if not more, and that makes a huge difference. When Hamlin started 23XI, he talked about a five-year plan with consistent race-winning performances and running for the title by year five. Reddick might just bring that strategy forward by an entire year.
Christopher Bell
In 2023, it was a case of final-race heartbreak for Bell when a…
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