As the NASCAR drivers 2026 season approaches, several Cup Series competitors find themselves at a crossroads, where their performance over the coming year could decide their future in the sport. With teams reshaping and competition intensifying, four drivers stand out as needing to prove themselves or risk major consequences.
Riley Herbst’s Second Year Comes With High Expectations
Riley Herbst enters his sophomore campaign in the Cup Series after a quiet rookie year at 23XI Racing, where he finished 31st in the standings, secured no top-10 finishes, and averaged a 26.4 finishing position. Despite support and sponsorship, Herbst faces mounting pressure to produce meaningful results in 2026. His situation is magnified by the strong performances of his 23XI Racing teammates Bubba Wallace, who triumphed in the Brickyard 400, and Tyler Reddick, who made it to the Championship 4 in 2024 and reached the playoffs again in 2025.
In a competitive organization like 23XI, a repeat of last season could leave Herbst’s position in jeopardy, making it crucial for the young driver from Las Vegas to bridge the gap to his successful teammates this year.
Daniel Suarez’s Crucial Season With Spire Motorsports
Daniel Suarez, a nine-year Cup Series veteran and 2016 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, is embarking on a pivotal chapter after moving to Spire Motorsports for the 2026 season under a one-year agreement. During the previous year, Suarez ended with a 29th place in points, collected two top-five and seven top-10 finishes, and averaged a 20.9 finishing position. Now aged 33 and hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, Suarez has experienced a range of highs and lows over his career, finishing in the top 20 of the standings five times but also dropping as low as 25th or worse in other years.
With Spire Motorsports counting on his experience, this season has the feel of a do-or-die opportunity. Should Suarez perform well, he could secure a more permanent role and become a foundational element for the team’s future plans.
Ty Gibbs Faces Pressure to Deliver on Potential
Ty Gibbs, the 2022 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, comes into his third full Cup Series season with Joe Gibbs Racing surrounded by high expectations. Despite being viewed as a potential franchise leader and maintaining his seat with no current threats from within the organization, Gibbs is still searching for his breakthrough win after 123 starts. In 2025, Gibbs posted five top-five and five top-10 finishes, ended up 19th in the final points, and averaged a 17.9 place finish. After making the playoffs in 2024 but missing out the following season, his winless record—especially considering his instant success in his series debut—stands out as a mounting concern.
The 23-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, is expected to claim victories if he hopes to be recognized as an elite driver and live up to his family’s legacy at Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR drivers 2026 season.
Alex Bowman’s Moment to Solidify His Spot at HMS
Alex Bowman, racing the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, finds himself under unique scrutiny due to the success of his team and the stacked lineup of competitors aiming for his spot. Bowman, an eight-time Cup Series race winner, finished the 2025 campaign 13th in points, with six top-five finishes, 16 top-10 finishes, and an average position of 17.4. While these stats mark him as a solid competitor in most organizations, expectations at Hendrick motorsports—the most successful group in NASCAR history—are significantly higher.
Despite consistency with crew chief Blake Harris, Bowman’s lack of a Championship 4 appearance and just one win over his last three seasons leave his future uncertain, especially during a contract year. With an array of young Chevrolet talents eager to make their mark, a championship push and trip back to victory lane could be vital for the 32-year-old Tucson, Arizona native to maintain his place in the Hendrick roster and continue contributing to the team’s rich legacy.
With the start of the NASCAR drivers 2026 season, Herbst, Suarez, Gibbs, and Bowman each have pivotal opportunities to shape the next chapter of their careers. The season’s results are likely to bring significant changes—both for the drivers themselves and for the teams counting on them to compete at the highest level.
