Since the first 4 races of the NASCAR season, we have learned a few things. Which drivers are overperforming, meeting expectations, or underperforming. Here are my personal rankings.
10. Daniel Suarez
Suarez has been running around p10 most races this year. Last year was not one Suarez wanted to remember. He underperformed last year, his 2022 results were noticeably better that his 2023 stats. Still getting that win at Atlanta and running a little better must feel good after a struggling year.
9. Chase Elliot
Elliot has a stage win and has been running in similar positions to Suárez. I believe if he continues this momentum, he may appear back in victory lane after a rough year.
8. Tyler Reddick
Reddick has a stage win and a lot of stage points and a duel "win". Those first 2 races weren't what they wanted but the other 2 were expectations. The only reason I put him up here is because of those bad superspeedway weeks. Otherwise, clean up the pit road driver and we have a possible, title "contender".
7. Ross Chastain
Chastain could-of, should-of, would-of maybe won the Daytona 500 or at least had a great result. He had a mid-Atlanta, great Vegas, and ok phoenix race. I wouldn't be concerned but that is something to keep an eye out for. Still, he had 2 wins in 2022 and 2023 so still a relatively good start.
6. Denny Hamlin
Denny had a decent Daytona, a good--too bad Atlanta, another great run at Vegas, and a solid Phoenix. He looks like another case of a guaranteed round of 8 or championship 4 title. He has been pretty consistent, and he usually is. The question is, will he clutch up and finally win a championship.
5. Ty Gibbs
Not going to lie, when I saw how good Gibbs performed at the clash, I knew he was going to have a terrific sophomore season and boy he sure does have one going. He has stage points and has been seen in and out of the top 10. I do believe that this early in the season has shows Gibbs further capability to win a race.
4. Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson still seems to have the "superspeedway curse". Take that out of the equation and young money is easily the closest thing NASCAR has to a superstar. He should have another great year based off his win and his dominating performance.
3.William Byron
William Byron won the Daytona 500 as well as being fairly consistent. However. He did have to mid races at phoenix and Atlanta. Still after a 6 win season last year, it could just be a little bad luck. Still, Byron will most likely have another good year.
2. Martin Truex Jr.
Truex has been fairly consistent and has also collected valuable stage points early on this season. He seems to have a great season coming his way if he keeps this up. I think it's a safe bet to say he will win a race and make a deep run in the playoffs.
1.Ryan Blaney
The 23 champ is actually leading the points and as from what we have seen, he has had great results in the first few races, and I believe he may be another title threat provided he keeps this up. He seems to be the best driver in cup but who knows, that could change.