(Photos Courtesy NASCAR)
By Peyton Lohr
As we head into the break for the Olympics, we have four races until the start of the 2024 playoffs. Kyle Larson won the Brickyard 400 last Sunday when a late race caution came out and ended the race - and also ended the hopes of a win for Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney. The battle for the regular season championship is heating up as it draws to a close, so let's go over the top five contenders and why they are worthy of the crown.
(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
5) Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney has shown consistent improvement in his performance over recent seasons. He frequently finishes in the top-10 and top-5 positions, which means he’s regularly earning valuable points, and he won the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Phoenix last November. This reliability and ability to perform well in many races helps him build up a significant points total over the season.
Blaney benefits from being part of Team Penske, one of the top teams in NASCAR. Team Penske provides him with the best equipment, advanced technology, and a skilled team of engineers and mechanics. This support ensures that Blaney’s car is fast and well-tuned, giving him a competitive advantage on the track.
Finally, Blaney’s versatility as a driver is a big asset. He’s skilled at racing on different types of tracks, whether they are SuperSpeedways, intermediate tracks, or road courses. His ability to adapt to various racing conditions and make smart decisions during the race allows him to perform well across the entire schedule. This flexibility helps him score points consistently, making him a strong candidate for the championship.
Ryan Blaney currently has 676 points, 2 wins, and is -73 out from the leader.
(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
4) Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin’s extensive experience in NASCAR gives him a big advantage. He’s been racing for many years and has a track record of finishing in the top positions. This means he’s good at earning points consistently. His experience allows him to make smart decisions and use effective racing strategies, which helps him stay competitive throughout the season.
Hamlin often qualifies well, which means he starts races in good positions. This helps him avoid trouble and get ahead early. Also, his team is good at making smart decisions during races, like when to pit and how to manage his tires. These skills help him keep up strong performances and take advantage of important moments in each race, giving him a better chance to win the championship.
Finally, Hamlin’s proven ability to race well on different types of tracks is another key factor. Whether it’s a SuperSpeedway, a short track, or an intermediate track, Hamlin has shown he can handle various racing conditions.
Denny Hamlin currently has 706 points, 3 wins, and is -43 out from the leader.
(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
3) Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick has been steadily improving in his NASCAR career. He’s been finishing well in races and gaining more confidence in his driving. This recent success gives him momentum, meaning he's building on his past performances and getting better with each race. This positive trend makes him a serious contender for the championship because he’s performing at a high level and shows no signs of slowing down.
Reddick drives for 23XI Racing, a team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. This team is recognized as having made significant progress in NASCAR. They have upgraded their equipment, improved their resources, and built a strong, dedicated crew. This support is crucial for Reddick because it ensures he has the best tools and assistance to compete at a top level. The team’s resources and expertise help him perform consistently well throughout the season.
Reddick has also shown that he can stay calm and make smart decisions when the stakes are high. This skill helps him get good finishes and earn valuable points, especially in key moments of the season. His ability to stay focused and perform well under pressure makes him a strong candidate for the championship.
Tyler Reddick currently has 734 points, 1 win, and is -15 out from the leader.
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
2) Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott´s track record is impressive. Elliott won the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2020, showing he has the skill and experience to perform at the highest level. His ability to finish well in many races means he consistently earns points, which is crucial for winning the regular season championship.
Second, Elliott excels on road courses, which are a significant part of the 2024 season schedule. He has won multiple races on these challenging tracks, proving he is particularly skilled in this area. Since there are several road courses on the schedule, his expertise here gives him a big advantage. His strong performance in these races helps him earn extra points, boosting his overall standing in the championship race.
Elliott has a big and enthusiastic fan base that really boosts his morale. This support helps keep him motivated and focused during races. The energy and encouragement from his fans can give him an extra edge, helping him stay determined and perform well throughout the season.
Chase Elliott currently has 739 points, 1 win, and is -10 out from the leader.
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
1) Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson has shown strong performance in NASCAR over the years. He’s skilled at driving and can handle different types of tracks and conditions. His success, including winning the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, proves he can stay at the top.
Second, Larson is very versatile. He doesn’t just do well in NASCAR; he’s also successful in other types of racing, like dirt track and sprint car racing. This broad experience helps him adapt to different racing situations and perform well throughout the season.
Larson is known for making bold moves and taking smart risks, which helps him gain positions quickly during races. This fearless approach allows him to make the most of every opportunity and stay competitive, especially in close races where every point matters. His ability to push hard and take chances can be a big advantage throughout the season.
Kyle Larson currently has 749 points, 4 wins, and is the current leader.
So, what say you? Who do you think will clinch the 2024 regular season championship?
The last race of the regular season takes place at the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, September 1st, at 6pm ET.
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