The start of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series is almost here. For a variety of reasons, some drivers had a difficult season in 2023, which made them unhappy. However, this year they hope to recover and find their footing again.
Let’s examine five drivers in more detail who could be able to get back on track this year.
1. Chase Elliott, N.9 Chevrolet from Hendrick Motorsports
2023 key stats: 0 wins, 7 top-fives, 15 top-tens, standing finish: 17th
Career wins: 18
The regular rivals Chase Elliott had a number of difficulties in the 2023 season as a result of lost race days and an operation. He missed seven races: one following a suspension following an accident at Charlotte, and six following surgery for a broken left leg.
Elliott still the season with good scores despite finishing in the 17th spot. Hopefully, Elliott will play a complete season in 2024 without missing any races, and he’ll be back in the playoffs.
2. Erik Jones, N.43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
2023 key stats: 1 top-5, 7 top tens, and 27th place in the standings
Wins in Career: 3
Erik Jones will look to make his return in 2024 after an interesting career journey. With his return to Toyota and membership in Legacy Motor Club, Jones ought to have no trouble regaining the kind of success that brought him two Southern 500 wins. Jones may be leading the field in the 2024 NASCAR Cup after all these years.
3. Daniel Suárez, Chevrolet Trackhouse Racing N.99
2023 key stats: 3 top-fives, 10 top-tens, standings finish: 19th
Career Wins: 1
In 2022, Daniel Suarez made the playoffs after having a strong season. He had a difficult 2023 season because he was unable to win. But with Trackhouse Racing continuing its growth, he should aim for further victories this year, and perhaps even a Championship 4 in 2024.
4. Chase Briscoe, N.14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
2023 key stats: 4 top-fives, 8 top-tens, Standings finish: 30th.
Career Wins: 1
Chase Briscoe’s 2023 season was not successful because he did not win any races while racing for Stewart Haas Racing. With his nine race wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, however, the 2020 season is still very much in the public eye.
With Kevin Harvick’s decision to retire, he will get the chance to take over as team captain for this season. This could be his chance to bounce back and get stronger before the 2024 campaign starts.
5. Austin Cindric, N.2 Team Penske Ford
2023 key stats: 1 top-five, 5 top-tens, standings finish: 24th
Career Wins: 1
Austin Cindric, the Daytona 500 winner in 2022, struggled in 2023, particularly because his teammates took home the final two championships. He might be more motivated to succeed in 2024 as a result of this. Cindric had to be prepared to make a comeback and duplicate his debut season’s achievements.
The most notable changes to NASCAR drivers and teams for the 2024 Cup Series
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is quickly approaching, and details about the driver and team lineups are beginning to emerge.
The retirement of Kevin Harvick and the arrival of Josh Berry
The major development for the 2024 season will be Kevin Harvick’s retirement. Early in 2023, the 2014 winner and potential NASCAR Hall of Famer declared his retirement.
Stewart-Haas Racing to welcome Noah Gragson
In August, Noah Gragson requested to be dismissed from the Legacy Motor Club Chevrolet team after receiving a suspension from both NASCAR and the team.
Carson Hocevar promoted
Following a strong showing in the Truck Series, Carson Hocevar will get the chance to participate in the Cup Series in 2024. He will drive the #77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports for the first time.
