Hendrick Motorsports is enjoying a remarkable season in the NASCAR Cup Series, with Kyle Larson at the forefront of their success. The team has demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency on the racetrack, as all four of its talented drivers—Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman—have managed to secure positions within the top 10 of the NASCAR driver standings. This collective achievement not only underscores the individual prowess of each driver but also emphasizes the overall strength and depth of Hendrick Motorsports as a formidable force in the sport. Their impressive record of nine wins in just 22 races during the 2024 season is a testament to their competitive edge and strategic excellence. However, despite this remarkable performance, they do not hold the title for the best average starting position; that distinction belongs to their closest rival, Joe Gibbs Racing.
Joe Gibbs Racing has also made significant strides this season, marking its presence with six victories, which have been shared between the seasoned veteran Denny Hamlin and the promising young talent Christopher Bell. Their success is further highlighted by their impressive average starting position of 11.13, which reflects their ability to consistently qualify well and provide their drivers with a competitive advantage right from the start of each race. Hendrick Motorsports is not far behind, boasting an average starting position of 11.17, indicative of their strong qualifying performances, which include an impressive tally of six pole positions this year.
The competition in the NASCAR Cup Series remains intense, with the 23XI Racing team, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan, making notable progress. They have achieved a commendable average starting position of 12.16, showcasing their growing competitiveness in the field. Team Penske is also in the mix, closely trailing with an average starting position of 13.67, further illustrating the highly competitive landscape of the series.
As we look further down the list, Front Row Motorsports has recorded an average starting position of 17.64, while Trackhouse Racing sits at 18.05. RFK Racing and Richard Childress Racing are also part of the competitive fray, with average starting positions of 19.40 and 19.68, respectively. Rounding out the top ten are Stewart-Haas Racing, averaging 21.64, and Spire Motorsports at 23.17. This diverse array of performance metrics highlights the rich tapestry of competition within the NASCAR Cup Series, where each team brings its unique strengths and strategies to the track, making for an exhilarating season for
1. Hendrick Motorsports is enjoying a highly successful season, boasting victories in approximately 41% of the races held so far. This impressive achievement is underscored by their dominance on the track, where they have led a total of 1,192 laps out of 5,824. Their performance is notable as the team has maintained a remarkable consistency; they have not gone more than three races without securing a spot in the winner’s circle. This consistency and ability to perform under pressure highlight their status as one of the frontrunners in the current NASCAR season.
2. Joe Gibbs Racing has solidified its place as a powerhouse in the NASCAR series with a success rate of 27.2% in points races. They have set themselves apart from their competitors by recording an impressive 20 stage wins, the highest of any team in the series. This success is complemented by their ability to lead a staggering 2,180 laps, which accounts for 37.4% of all laps raced this season. This combination of stage wins and lap leadership underscores their competitive edge and strategic prowess throughout the season.
3. Tyler Reddick, racing for 23XI Racing, has made a significant mark this season with a noteworthy win at the Talladega Superspeedway, contributing to the overall excitement of a 22-race season. Behind the wheel of the #45 Toyota Camry, Reddick has excelled, achieving eight top-10 finishes in his last nine Cup Series outings. Meanwhile, his teammate Bubba Wallace is on the cusp of securing a coveted playoff spot, finding himself in a tight race with only four races left in the regular season. The pressure is mounting for Wallace as he seeks to solidify his position among the top contenders.
4. Team Penske has entered a formidable phase, currently riding a winning streak that has seen them achieve four victories across the last eight points races. Austin Cindric emerged victorious at World Wide Technology Raceway, while teammates Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney also showcased their skills with wins in Nashville and at both Iowa and Pocono, respectively. This run of victories has positioned Team Penske favorably in the season standings. Notably, similar to Hendrick Motorsports, every driver representing Team Penske has successfully qualified for the playoffs, demonstrating the team’s well-rounded talent and competitive strategy.
5. At RFK Racing, Brad Keselowski experienced a significant and triumphant moment during the race at Darlington, marking a highlight in his season. His performance not only showcased his skill and determination but also served as a morale booster for the entire team. Meanwhile, his teammate Chris Buescher has been consistently competitive, often finding himself in contention for the lead, yet he has faced challenges that have prevented him from securing a victory. Despite this, the duo has collectively demonstrated their prowess on the track, achieving an impressive total of 12 top-five finishes throughout the season. This statistic reflects their ability to consistently perform at a high level, positioning them as formidable contenders in the NASCAR circuit.
6. Trackhouse Racing had much to celebrate as Daniel Suarez successfully qualified for the playoffs, a significant achievement that followed his exhilarating win in Atlanta. This victory not only solidified his place in the postseason but also highlighted the team’s potential to compete at the highest level. On the other hand, Ross Chastain remains in pursuit of a playoff spot, striving to secure a victory that would guarantee his entry into the postseason. Despite his efforts, he has yet to find the breakthrough he needs. In the last six races, Trackhouse Racing’s standout performance came from Suarez, who finished eighth at Indianapolis, marking it as the team’s best result during this stretch. This performance underscores the competitive nature of the team and their ongoing efforts to improve and secure more top finishes as the season progresses.
