2023 NASCAR Season Finale Recap: The 2023 NASCAR season reached its conclusion, marking the end of a journey filled with ups and downs. Amidst the excitement of the championship race at Phoenix Raceway, one underdog emerged victorious, capturing the essence of the season’s underdog spirit.
Michael McDowell, driving for the No. 34 team at Front Row Motorsports, wrapped up the year on a high note with a top 10 finish in the NASCAR Cup Series finale. McDowell’s race mirrored his season, starting off modestly, improving gradually, and finishing strongly. He navigated through the field in the final stage, securing a ninth-place finish in the race, showcasing his determination and skill.
The No. 34 team’s transformation throughout the season was noteworthy. McDowell’s performance significantly improved after a challenging start, culminating in four top 10 finishes in five races, catapulting him into the playoff battle based on points. His victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, his second career win, was a standout moment, and he achieved career highs in laps led (97) and points finish (15th). This achievement marked a significant milestone for Front Row Motorsports, making them perennial playoff contenders.
Legacy Motor Club bid farewell to the Chevrolet bowtie with solid performances from its drivers. Carson Hocevar finished 19th, securing his fifth top 20 finish in nine starts. Erik Jones, continuing to shine, ran inside the top 10 for most of the race, displaying exceptional skills and matching the pace of championship contenders. Despite slipping to 20th after a strategic pit stop, Jones showcased promise for the team’s future endeavors.
However, the season did not end on a high note for everyone. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., despite making his first playoff appearance since 2017, struggled to crack the top 20 in the final races, finishing 23rd. Kaulig Racing faced challenges, with both Justin Haley and AJ Allmendinger finishing far from the front due to struggles with the low downforce package.
As the season comes to a close, teams are gearing up for the next chapter. Consistency will be key, with drivers like McDowell and Todd Gilliland returning to Front Row Motorsports, ensuring stability and building on their progress. Stenhouse’s career year and Haley’s impressive performances provide optimism for their respective teams. Additionally, newcomers and potential changes in team lineups indicate exciting possibilities for the upcoming season.
The support from fans who cheer for the underdogs has been invaluable throughout the season. Their encouragement fuels the passion for this sport, making every race memorable. Here’s to more thrilling races and underdog victories in the seasons to come!
ALSO READ: Legacy Motor Club New Era: Hocevar Takes the Helm
Our Reader’s Queries
How much do NASCAR drivers make?
The salary of a NASCAR driver varies depending on their level of experience and success. The top earners in the industry can make an annual salary of $111,000, which breaks down to a monthly pay of $9,250. Those in the 75th percentile earn an average of $86,000 per year, or $7,166 per month. The average salary for a NASCAR driver is $78,621 annually, or $6,551 per month. Drivers in the 25th percentile earn a yearly salary of $50,000, or $4,166 per month.
Who will be the best NASCAR driver in 2023?
The NASCAR 2023 awards have been announced, and the winners are in! Kyle Larson has been named the Driver of the Year, while Ryan Blaney takes home the Closer of the Year award. Brad Keselowski is the Owner of the Year, and William Byron is the Biggest Surprise. Denny Hamlin is recognized as the Personality of the Year, and Ty Gibbs is the Rookie of the Year. Finally, Kevin Harvick takes home the Retirement Tour of the Year award. Congratulations to all the winners!
Who is Gragson driving for in 2023?
Noah Gragson is the perfect driver for Stewart-Haas. With 13 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series under his belt, he’s proven himself to be a valuable addition to any team. Now, as a full-time member of the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 42 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team, we’re excited to see what he can do.
What came after Winston Cup?
In 2004, NASCAR struck a deal with Nextel, a telecom company, to take over from Winston as the series sponsor. This led to the rebranding of the series as the Nextel Cup. However, in 2006, Sprint merged with Nextel, leading to another name change for the series. From 2008 onwards, it became known as the Sprint Cup.
