For some, the answer might be straightforward, but for others, it’s more complex. Let’s evaluate the candidates and weigh their pros and cons.
Joey Logano
Standings: 2024 Cup Series Champion
Wins: 4 (Nashville, Atlanta II, Las Vegas II, Phoenix II) plus the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro
Top 10s: 13
Laps Led: 414
Pros:
Clinched his third championship, a feat only four other drivers have achieved before turning 35: Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, David Pearson, and Jimmie Johnson.
Secured three playoff victories, the most of any driver.
His four points-paying wins were second only to Kyle Larson.
Cons:
Logged just one win in the regular season, ranking 15th in points before the playoff reset.
The 414 laps he led were the third fewest by a champion since 1972.
Recorded an average finish of 17.1, ranking 13th in the series.
Claimed only three stage wins, with seven other drivers having more.
Endured 11 finishes of 25th or worse throughout the season.
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Kyle Larson
Standings: 6th
Wins: 6 (Las Vegas I, Kansas I, Sonoma, Indianapolis, Bristol II, Charlotte Roval)
Top 10s: 18
Laps Led: 1,700
Pros:
Led the series in wins (6), laps led (1,700), and stage wins (12).
Tied Christopher Bell for most top-five finishes (15).
Secured five poles, second most in the series.
Finished one point shy of the regular-season championship despite missing the Coca-Cola 600 to race in the Indianapolis 500.
Won two playoff races and claimed a major victory at Indianapolis.
Cons:
Failed to qualify for the Championship 4.
Couldn’t string together more than two consecutive top-10 finishes during the season.
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Christopher Bell
Standings: 5th
Wins: 3 (Phoenix I, Coca-Cola 600, New Hampshire)
Top 10s: 23
Laps Led: 1,145
Pros:
Topped the series in top-10 finishes (23).
Tied Kyle Larson for most top-five finishes (15).
Ranked second in laps led and stage wins.
Maintained a streak of six consecutive top-seven finishes during the playoffs.
Secured a major victory at the Coca-Cola 600.
Cons:
Missed out on the Championship 4.
Failed to finish six races and had eight finishes of 30th or worse.
Went winless in the last 18 races of the season.
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Tyler Reddick
Standings: 4th
Wins: 3 (Talladega I, Michigan, Homestead)
Top 10s: 21
Laps Led: 597
Pros:
Won the regular-season championship.
Delivered a thrilling last-lap victory at Homestead to advance to the Championship 4.
Tied for second in top-10 finishes (21).
Ranked fourth in stage wins and laps led.
Had a streak of seven consecutive top-10 finishes in the regular season.
Cons:
Recorded nine finishes of 25th or worse.
Struggled in the playoffs, with six finishes of 20th or worse.
