As the NASCAR Cup Series transitions from the road course drama of Mexico City to the high-speed chess match of Pocono Raceway, attention naturally turns to the drivers who consistently shine at one of the sport’s most unique venues. Nicknamed “The Tricky Triangle,” Pocono’s three-turn layout tests a driver’s adaptability and precision in ways unlike any other oval on the calendar.
Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway promises to deliver strategic pit stops, bold restarts, and fuel mileage gambles. And while anyone can take the checkered flag under the right circumstances, some drivers have proven they consistently belong at the front of the field when it comes to this 2.5-mile tri-oval.
Based on average finishing positions since the 2022 season, here are the top five drivers to watch heading into this weekend.
Bubba Wallace: Consistency in the Triangle
Bubba Wallace might not immediately come to mind as a Pocono powerhouse, but the numbers tell a different story. In his last three starts at the Pennsylvania facility, Wallace has posted an impressive average finish of 9.7. He’s notched two top-10 finishes, demonstrating his steady pace and improving comfort at the venue.
While he’s yet to lead a large number of laps at Pocono—only four since 2022—Wallace’s performances have been marked by patient racecraft and strategic execution. He’s managed those top results despite an average starting spot of 15.3, proving that race-day adaptability matters more than pure qualifying speed at a track like this.
The 23XI Racing driver is currently ranked 10th in the Cup Series standings and finished 12th last week in Mexico. With the playoffs looming, Wallace could use another solid outing, and Pocono presents a real opportunity for him to make a statement.
Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott: Trending Up at Pocono
Christopher Bell has quietly built a strong résumé at Pocono with an average finish of 7.3 across his past three starts. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has finished in the top 10 twice and cracked the top five once. Notably, he’s started from a solid average grid position of 9.7 and has led 14 laps—evidence that his car often has the speed to contend.
After finishing second in last week’s Viva México 250, Bell heads to Pocono with momentum on his side. He’s proven he can manage a long race on fuel strategy and take advantage of late-race opportunities, which bodes well for navigating Pocono’s elongated straightaways and three distinct corners.
Meanwhile, Chase Elliott has arguably one of the most favorable track records among active drivers at Pocono. He owns an average finish of 6.7 in his last three races here, including a win in 2022 following the disqualification of both Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. Elliott has logged three consecutive top-10 finishes at the Tricky Triangle and continues to be a steady force for Hendrick Motorsports.
With an average starting position of 16.3, Elliott’s results are a testament to his ability to work his way forward and maximize stage points along the way. Currently sitting fourth in the standings, he remains a dangerous contender at any oval—and Pocono is no exception.
Martin Truex Jr. and Tyler Reddick
Veteran Martin Truex Jr. has long been regarded as one of the most consistent performers on the Cup circuit, and Pocono is no different. Since 2022, he’s posted an average finish of sixth, including one top-five and three top-10 results. His average starting spot of 4.3 at the track reflects not only strong single-lap pace but also a team that shows up well-prepared for the weekend.
Though he stepped away from full-time competition at the end of 2024, Truex returned to attempt select events this season, including the Daytona 500. His familiarity with Pocono and precision in execution make him a valuable reference point for younger drivers—even if he isn’t competing this weekend.
Topping the list, however, is Tyler Reddick. In his past three appearances at Pocono, Reddick boasts the best average finishing position of any driver: 3.3. He’s racked up two top-five finishes and led 15 laps during that stretch. His average starting position of 10th also indicates a strong balance between qualifying performance and race pace.
Reddick’s adaptability and corner-entry precision suit Pocono perfectly. Although he finished a disappointing 20th last weekend in Mexico, he remains sixth in the overall standings and is well within striking distance of a breakthrough win in the second half of the season.
News In Brief: Best NASCAR drivers at Pocono
As NASCAR heads into the heart of the summer schedule, Pocono Raceway stands out as a barometer for playoff readiness. With long straights, tight corners, and high tire degradation, the Tricky Triangle doesn’t reward chaos—it favors drivers who can manage every aspect of their race, from qualifying and restarts to pit cycles and fuel strategy.
Whether it’s Reddick’s sharp consistency, Elliott’s late-race moves, or Bell’s quiet strength, these five drivers have repeatedly proven they can unlock the nuances of Pocono. And with playoff implications tightening by the week, Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 could be a defining moment for more than one contender.
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