The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series brought intense competition and unforgettable moments, with drivers pushing their limits to claim victory. In this list of the top 5 NASCAR Cup stars of 2024, excluding Joey Logano, we highlight the racers who dominated the season and made their mark. From surprising victories to heart-stopping finishes, these drivers proved their skills on the track. Which driver had a standout year, and who may have been overlooked?Â
Joey Logano’s 2024 Championship Win Amidst Controversy
Joey Logano’s victory in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship was undoubtedly a major accomplishment, but it did not come without controversy. Many fans and analysts raised concerns over NASCAR’s playoff system, particularly how the elimination format can sometimes undermine consistent performance throughout the season. While Logano secured the title, some critics believe that the current playoff system rewards short-term success rather than long-term dominance.Â
This sentiment was amplified by the fact that other drivers, who may have had more consistent seasons, were eliminated earlier in the playoffs due to the nature of the format. Despite the backlash, Logano’s win solidified his place as a champion in the sport, although the debate over the fairness of the system remains heated.
Nevertheless, the 2024 season saw strong performances from other drivers who showed consistent talent and competitiveness throughout the year. Their impressive finishes and dedication to the sport sparked conversations about their potential to succeed in future seasons, adding to the ongoing debate about the merit of the playoff system in rewarding true championship-worthy performance.
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson’s 2024 performance was outstanding. He led the series with six wins, the most top-five finishes (15), and the most laps led. Despite missing the Coca-Cola 600 to race in the Indianapolis 500, Larson still managed to finish the season as one of the top performers. He showcased remarkable versatility, and his consistency was unmatched. Larson finished the season with an average finish of 12.91 and proved himself a constant threat for the future.
In the 2024 season, Kyle Larson finished in 6th place with a total of 2,378 points. He earned 5 poles and had a high finish of 1st place. Larson’s low finish was 39th, and he participated in 35 races. He recorded 6 wins, 15 top-five finishes, and 18 top-10 finishes. His average starting position was 8.8, and he led 1,699 laps across the season. Larson ran 9,052 laps and completed 95.33% of them.
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell had a phenomenal 2024 season, marked by his impressive consistency and performance. He won three times, including the Coca-Cola 600, his first Crown Jewel win, and led over 1,000 laps. Bell finished with 23 top-10 finishes and was a strong contender for the championship, although he was controversially eliminated during the Martinsville race. With three wins and a total of 1,145 laps led, Bell has firmly established himself as a future NASCAR champion.
Christopher Bell’s 2024 stats include a final ranking of 5th with a total of 2,412 points. He competed in all 36 races and won 3 times. Bell had 3 poles and a high finish of 1st place, while his low finish was 38th. His average finish was 12.81, and he had 15 top-five finishes and 23 top-10 finishes. Bell’s total laps led was 1,145, with an average starting position of 11.2. He ran 9,298 laps, completing 95.42% of the total laps for the season.
Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick enjoyed a breakout season in 2024. Despite the off-track drama with his team, 23XI Racing, Reddick thrived. He won three races, including victories at Talladega, Michigan, and Homestead-Miami, earning his first trip to the Championship Four. He finished the season ranked 4th in the Cup standings, with an average finish of 13.19, securing a spot among the top drivers in NASCAR. Reddick’s performance in the 2024 season was a clear sign that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
Tyler Reddick’s final stats for 2024 include a 4th-place finish with a total of 5,031 points. He had 3 wins and 3 poles, with his high finish at 1st place. Reddick’s low finish was 35th, and his average finish was 13.19. He had 12 top-five finishes and 21 top-10 finishes. Reddick led 597 laps and had an average starting position of 10.2. Across 36 races, he ran 9,482 laps and completed 97.31% of them.
Chase ElliottÂ
Chase Elliott had a steady and consistent 2024 season. Although he didn’t have the wins he’s known for, Elliott’s consistency shone through with an average finish of 11.72. He broke his winless streak with a victory at Texas and nearly made it into the Championship Four, finishing just one spot short at Martinsville. Despite not having a standout win total, Elliott’s consistency throughout the season earned him a top spot in the rankings.
Chase Elliott finished the 2024 season in 7th place with a total of 2,342 points. He competed in all 36 races, earning 1 pole and a high finish of 1st place. His low finish was 36th, and he won 1 race. Elliott had 11 top-five finishes and 19 top-10 finishes. His average finish for the season was 11.72, and he led 431 laps. He had an average starting position of 11.6. Elliott completed 98.50% of the laps, running a total of 9,598 laps across the season.
Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney had a solid 2024 campaign, coming very close to a back-to-back championship. He won three races, including the crucial Martinsville race, and was a constant contender throughout the season. Blaney finished the year with an average finish of 15.22 and ended the season ranked 2nd overall in the standings. While he didn’t claim the title, Blaney’s performance in defending his championship was one of the best title defenses in recent memory.
Ryan Blaney’s stats for 2024 include a 2nd-place finish with 5,035 points. He had 3 wins and 1 pole, with a high finish of 1st place. Blaney’s low finish was 39th, and his average finish for the season was 15.22. He had 12 top-five finishes and 18 top-10 finishes. Blaney led 567 laps, with an average starting position of 13.2. He ran 8,910 laps across 36 races, completing 91.44% of them.
News in Brief: Top 5 NASCAR Cup Stars of 2024
In 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series showed fierce competition, with standout performances from Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott, and Ryan Blaney. While Joey Logano’s championship victory sparked debate, these drivers proved their worth throughout the season. Larson’s consistency, Bell’s dominance, Reddick’s breakout moments, Elliott’s steady drive, and Blaney’s title defense all made the season unforgettable. As NASCAR moves forward, these drivers are sure to remain top contenders. Who do you think will dominate next year?
ALSO READ: Joey Logano’s 60k Dollars Contribution to Helene Victims Leaves Fans in Awe of His Generosity
