As the NASCAR Cup Series heads toward its final races, fans are eager to know which drivers will make the NASCAR Cup Series Final 4. Experts Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi share their bold predictions, but there’s a surprising twist – they don’t think Denny Hamlin will make it! Will their predictions hold up, or could Denny Hamlin prove them wrong?
Key Highlights
- Jeff Gluck predicts Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney for the Championship 4, excluding Denny Hamlin due to recent misfortunes.
- Jordan Bianchi includes Denny Hamlin in his predictions, indicating a mix of established skill and emerging talent in the final contenders.
- Both analysts emphasize the importance of performance metrics and adaptability in selecting Championship 4 drivers.
- Denny Hamlin’s exclusion shows the unpredictable nature of the NASCAR season, with playoff points impacting competitive positioning.
- Consistency and strategic insights, such as track position and pit strategy, are critical factors influencing the predictions for the final four drivers.
Insider Predictions for the Championship 4
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads toward its climax, industry insiders are weighing in on which drivers will secure their spots in the coveted Championship 4. Following the recent elimination of four competitors at the Roval, the stakes have never been higher, and the analysis surrounding the potential finalists has intensified.
On The Teardown podcast, seasoned analysts Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic offered their insights into the drivers they believe will contend for the title at Phoenix Raceway.
Both insiders predict a fierce battle among the remaining elite drivers, highlighting their performance metrics and adaptability under strain as critical factors. Jeff Gluck emphasizes the consistency of the top-tier drivers, suggesting that those who have shown resilience throughout the season will likely emerge as frontrunners.
Jordan Bianchi echoes this sentiment, pointing to the tactical insight required in the final races. He notes that track position and pit strategy will play crucial roles in determining who advances.
Interestingly, the omission of veteran Denny Hamlin from their predictions reflects a broader conversation about the unpredictability of this season. While Denny Hamlin’s experience could be an asset, his recent performances have raised questions about his ability to capitalize on opportunities.
As the series progresses, the focus will certainly shift to the dynamic interplay between these favored drivers and the inherent uncertainties of race day, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown at Phoenix.
Jeff Gluck’s Championship Picks
With the Championship 4 looming, Jeff Gluck has solidified his predictions, maintaining the same four drivers he identified prior to the playoffs. He confidently forecasts Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney to compete for the NASCAR Cup Series title. This consistency signals Jeff Gluck’s analytical approach, emphasizing the significance of prior performance and adaptability throughout the season.
“My final four has not changed from before the playoffs, I have [Kyle] Larson, I have [Tyler] Reddick, I have [Christopher] Bell and I have [Ryan] Blaney. I have Bell winning as I’ve been saying all along because of Bell’s prowess on those type of tracks Phoenix will be decided on. That is my pick.” – Jeff Gluck
Jeff Gluck’s reasoning for selecting Christopher Bell as the eventual champion is particularly remarkable. He cites Christopher Bell’s exceptional capabilities on tracks similar to Phoenix, where the championship will be contested. This insight reflects a thorough understanding of the subtleties that can determine success in such environments, particularly the final race of the season.
Additionally, Jeff Gluck’s decision to omit Denny Hamlin from his final four highlights a significant perspective on the unpredictability of the sport. He acknowledges Hamlin’s talent but points to a pattern of misfortunes that have historically plagued the driver during pivotal moments.
“As I’ve said before the season, even on Denny [Hamlin’s] podcast when he had us on to announce that we were coming over to Dirty Mo and all that stuff, I said I’m not picking Denny to win the championship. I’m not even picking him to make the final four because something always happens to him.” – Jeff Gluck
Jordan Bianchi’s Championship Picks
Jordan Bianchi has made his Championship 4 selections, standing out with a blend of bold predictions and caution. His picks include Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney, which reflect a mix of established skill and emerging talent. Bianchi’s choices are indicative of a tactical approach, recognizing Bell’s recent momentum and Larson’s exceptional track record in high-stakes environments.
“My final four, Bell, Larson, Hamlin, Blaney.” – Jordan Bianchi
However, Jordan Bianchi’s remarks about Alex Bowman reveal a detailed understanding of the unpredictability inherent in NASCAR. He characterized Alex Bowman as a “Cinderella” story, highlighting the driver’s potential for surprise but also acknowledging the limitations that can accompany such narratives. This caution proved prescient when Bowman was later disqualified from the Roval race, leading to his elimination from playoff rivalry. It highlights the importance of consistency and reliability, particularly in the cutthroat atmosphere of the playoffs.
Moreover, Jordan Bianchi’s commentary on Chase Elliott, who led only one lap in the postseason, further demonstrates the volatility of the current racing landscape. Chase Elliott’s struggles emphasize that even fan-favorites can falter under strain, which could reshape playoff dynamics and influence tactics for the remaining drivers.
Current Playoff Standings and Denny Hamlin’s Perspective
Amidst the intense competition of the NASCAR playoffs, the current standings reveal a landscape marked by both promise and unpredictability. The top four drivers—Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, and William Byron—are establishing themselves as formidable contenders, while Denny Hamlin, despite being among the eight playoff participants, finds himself on the periphery of the championship conversation.
Denny Hamlin’s perspective is one of cautious optimism. In a pre-playoff interview, he acknowledged the competitive edge of his rivals, particularly highlighting their accumulated playoff points. However, he also expressed a belief in his team’s potential to secure victories at any track, emphasizing that their performance could shift dramatically in the coming races. His confidence stems from a history of competitiveness, as he notes, “We always feel like we can go to the next track and win.”
“Now, I would say that the 45 (Tyler Reddick), the 20 (Christopher Bell), the 5 (Kyle Larson) have a better chance because they have more Playoff points going into the Playoffs. But, ultimately, we’re one of the very few cars that can win any given week. So, no matter what points position we might find ourselves in, and we will be in a precarious points position at some point in the Playoffs. We always feel like we can go to the next track and win, so that’s on something that only a few cars can do.” – Denny Hamlin
The unpredictable nature of the playoffs means that standings can change rapidly, and Denny Hamlin’s experience is a double-edged sword. While he has the capability to clinch wins, the precarious position he anticipates could hinder his path to the final four.
With established champions like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, and Joey Logano in the mix, the stakes are heightened. For Denny Hamlin, maneuvering through the next three races will be critical—not just for points, but for asserting his dominance in a series where each decision could ultimately lead to glory or despair.
News in Brief: NASCAR Cup Series Final 4
The predictions by NASCAR insiders highlight a competitive landscape in the Cup Series, with notable omissions such as Denny Hamlin from the anticipated Championship 4. Analysis of insider picks by Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi reveals a shift in perceived frontrunners, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the playoffs.
As the final races approach, the dynamics of performance and strategy will further shape the championship narrative, stressing the critical role of consistency and resilience among the elite drivers.
