Ranking EVERY NASCAR Cup Series Driver from WORST to FIRST… Kyle Larson’s Rank Will Surprise You – Read More!
The NASCAR Cup Series is one of the most competitive racing leagues in the world, home to a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and everything in between. Each season, the field of drivers battles it out on tracks from Daytona to Talladega, showcasing a unique blend of speed, strategy, and skill. But how do you rank these drivers, from the newcomers struggling to find their footing to the champions who make it look easy? It’s not just about wins and podium finishes — every factor, from consistency to adaptability, comes into play.
In this ranking, we’ll take a deep dive into each driver’s performance, their strengths, weaknesses, and why Kyle Larson’s ranking may just surprise you. Buckle up, as we break down the drivers from WORST to FIRST in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series.
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32. Ty Dillon
While Ty Dillon has had moments of promise in the NASCAR Cup Series, his overall performance has been underwhelming. Driving for a variety of teams without the backing of a top-tier organization has hindered his ability to showcase consistent speed. He’s consistently near the back of the pack, and while he can sometimes sneak into top-20 finishes, Ty has yet to secure a top-10 in the majority of races. He’ll need significant improvement to make a name for himself at the Cup level.
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31. Corey LaJoie
Corey LaJoie has proven himself to be a gritty racer, but driving for a smaller team like Spire Motorsports limits his potential for regular success. Despite the challenges, LaJoie is known for being a feisty competitor, often getting the most out of his car and overachieving in races. He might not get the finishes he deserves, but his heart and talent make him a driver to keep an eye on.
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30. BJ McLeod
BJ McLeod, who primarily drives for his own team, Live Fast Motorsports, has been a part of NASCAR for several years but has struggled to keep up with the top-tier teams. While McLeod is certainly dedicated and experienced, his equipment is often inferior to the competition, leading to finishes far outside the top 20.
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29. Rickey Stenhouse Jr.
Stenhouse’s reputation has been built on his ability to race hard, but his results often fall short of expectations. Known for his aggressive driving style, Rickey has a knack for mixing it up at the front of the field, but too often finds himself involved in accidents or making mistakes under pressure. His inconsistency has hindered his ability to challenge for wins consistently, despite flashes of speed.
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28. Harrison Burton
A young driver with plenty of potential, Harrison Burton has faced challenges in his transition to the Cup Series. Driving for Wood Brothers Racing, Burton has had to navigate a difficult rookie season and growing pains. His talent is undeniable, but he’s still learning how to adapt to the Cup level, with results to match his growing experience.
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27. Daniel Suarez
Daniel Suarez has shown promise, especially in recent seasons, but he’s still far from a contender for championships. Driving for Trackhouse Racing, Suarez has experienced a resurgence, with some strong runs and a race win in the 2022 season. However, his performance still fluctuates, and he struggles to maintain consistent form throughout a season.
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26. Austin Cindric
After winning the Daytona 500 in his rookie season, Austin Cindric made an early splash. However, his performance has since tapered off as he continues to adjust to the demands of the Cup Series. While he has the potential to develop into a solid driver, he has yet to replicate that early success on a consistent basis.
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25. Erik Jones
Erik Jones has bounced around different teams but has yet to find a permanent home at the front of the field. While Jones has had some impressive top-10 finishes, he remains a mid-pack driver, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling to be a consistent contender.
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24. Chris Buescher
Chris Buescher has shown himself to be an underrated driver, especially in the last couple of seasons. He secured his first Cup win at Bristol in 2022, but overall, he still falls short of the elite drivers in NASCAR. His performance is solid, and he’s capable of pulling off surprise finishes, but consistency remains a challenge.
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23. Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell is a solid, reliable driver who’s always in the hunt for top-20 finishes and the occasional surprise top-10 result. Known for his consistency, McDowell’s career is highlighted by his victory in the 2021 Daytona 500, but his overall lack of podium finishes places him further down in the rankings.
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22. Ryan Preece
Preece, a driver known for his work ethic, has bounced around teams in his NASCAR career. While his results have been improving, he’s still working on making a name for himself in the series. He has moments of brilliance but isn’t quite a regular contender at the front.
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21. Chase Briscoe
Briscoe showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, including a win at the 2021 Phoenix race, but he has yet to show that he can be a consistent championship contender. His performances are often marked by inconsistency, but his potential is still there as he continues to mature as a driver.
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20. Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman has proven to be a talented driver, but his performance often falls under the radar. While he has been competitive in the Hendrick Motorsports team, Bowman has struggled to break through for consistent wins. He’s often overshadowed by teammates like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, but there’s no denying Bowman’s raw talent when everything aligns.
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19. William Byron
Byron is one of the most promising young drivers in NASCAR, and he’s taken significant steps forward in recent seasons. Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, he’s had some strong runs and victories, including a dominant win at the 2023 Martinsville race. However, he still needs to prove he can perform under pressure and maintain top-tier consistency over the course of a season.
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18. Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick has quickly become one of the rising stars of the NASCAR Cup Series, showcasing speed and a competitive edge. His move to 23XI Racing has given him a new boost, but he’s still learning to compete at the highest level. While his future is bright, Reddick isn’t quite a consistent threat for championships just yet.
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17. Denny Hamlin
Hamlin is a seasoned veteran who’s had a highly successful career. Multiple-time playoff contender and a Daytona 500 winner, Hamlin is a formidable force. However, his lack of a Cup Series championship weighs heavily on his career, and while he remains competitive, he doesn’t dominate the sport like he used to.
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16. Joey Logano
Joey Logano is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, but in recent years, he’s been less of a dominant force. Logano has still proven to be competitive, but his consistency has taken a dip, and he’s often found in controversial situations, making him a polarizing figure in the series.
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15. Kurt Busch (Retired)
Kurt Busch’s retirement left a hole in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, his legacy as a former champion and his resilience through his career make him one of the most respected figures in the sport. If he were still racing, he’d likely still be in the championship conversation.
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14. Kevin Harvick
Harvick is one of the most experienced and consistent drivers in NASCAR history, with a championship in 2014. However, as Harvick nears the end of his career, he’s no longer the dominant force he once was. He’s still capable of winning races, but his best days are behind him.
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13. Brad Keselowski
Keselowski is a former Cup Series champion who remains a dangerous contender, even if his performance isn’t as consistent as in years past. While his ability to be a championship threat has waned, Keselowski’s experience and racecraft make him a driver who can still surprise at any given race.
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12. Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch is a two-time Cup Series champion with unmatched ability to win on any given weekend. However, since his move to Richard Childress Racing, Busch has seen a dip in consistency. Still, Busch remains one of the most dangerous drivers in NASCAR and is always a threat to win.
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11. Chase Elliott
Elliott is one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR, and for good reason. He’s a Cup Series champion and a consistent contender, but his injury in 2023 set him back. Despite that, Elliott’s talent and potential make him a constant threat for wins and championships in the future.
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10. Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney is one of the rising stars in NASCAR, consistently competing for wins and playoff spots. His smooth driving style and ability to make the right moves under pressure have made him one of the best on the circuit.
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9. Martin Truex Jr.
Truex is a veteran with a championship to his name, and while he’s not the young up-and-comer, he remains one of the most consistent drivers on the circuit. His experience gives him an edge, and he’s always in the mix when it matter
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8. Ross Chastain
Chastain’s aggressive driving style has made him a fan favorite, and his ability to make bold moves at key moments has earned him race wins.
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