The NASCAR Playoffs have always had drivers on their A-game, and this year is no exception. Here are 5 must-watch drivers in the 2024 NASCAR Playoffs.
5. Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick is another driver to focus on during the 2024 NASCAR Playoffs. He has been outstanding this year and enters the playoff with a lot of momentum. For the first time in his career, he won the Regular Season Championship. So he’s already clinched the title that tests a driver’s consistency and endurance all season. Reddick won two races at Talladega and at Michigan and had 11 top-fives and 18 top-tens. These results are the best of his Cup Series career.
Driving for 23XI Racing, Reddick proved himself as a frontrunner on multiple track surfaces and therefore is a rival on any track. His strong comebacks from difficult races, like his top-10 finish at Darlington despite struggles, proved that he can be persistent and tactical. Starting in third place in the playoffs standings, he has a good chance to fight for the championship.
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4. Christopher Bell
Without any doubt, Christopher Bell is one of the must-watch drivers in this year’s NASCAR Playoffs.
Bell has been very consistent throughout the 2024 regular season. He had several top-five finishes and important wins like the one at New Hampshire. He has positioned himself very well in playoff standings and he will start in the second position. Also, Bell has shown a lot of dedication until now. He handled car issues and adapted to changes within the team such as the temporary leadership of his car chief, Chris Sherwood.
Bell was disappointed in the 2023 playoffs when mechanical problems prevented him from winning the title despite being in the Championship 4. This year, Bell is targeting consistency. He is also determined to take advantage of every chance he gets to clinch his maiden Cup Series title. The confidence he has and the huge potential he sees in his team make him a serious title contender.
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3. William Byron
Without a doubt, one of the must-watch drivers in this year’s NASCAR Playoffs is William Byron. Byron has been one of the most consistent drivers of the 2024 NASCAR regular season. This year, he comes into playoffs with three wins, eight top-fives, and 13 top-tens. Coupled with his capability to lead laps (259 in the regular season) make him a true contender at every level.
What really makes Byron stand out is that the driver has always performed well at playoff tracks winning eight of his 13 career races at venues featured in the playoffs. Such as the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the Martinsville Speedway, and the Phoenix Raceway. Also, Byron has previous experience, having reached the Championship 4 in the last 2023 season. He finished third overall, which will help the team in the playoffs this year. Having gained experience and made some changes for the better, he’s in a much better position to tackle the difficult playoff games.
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2. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin is unquestionably on many fans’ list of must-watch drivers for the 2024 NASCAR Playoffs. Hamlin is in good form to finally clinch his first Cup Series title, given his experience and performance so far. He goes into the playoffs with several wins during the regular season and proves himself as a serious contender on different tracks.
Hamlin has shown a lot of experience and composure that comes with veteran driver status, especially during pressure moments. Chris Gabehart, №11 team crew chief, notes that this team has been very consistent this season, and this is important when racing in playoff mode. Despite receiving penalties and close finishes, Hamlin has been able to get back on track and record great victories including his domination at Dover.
Another strength is Hamlin’s strategic planning. He stresses certain events, especially the key playoff races, and targets tracks like Kansas. Hamlin’s hunger for his first championship makes him even more dangerous as he has yet to taste the sweet taste of a championship despite being one of the best drivers ever. He recently told reporters in a pre-race interview, “This is the year it’s going to happen.”
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1. Kyle Larson
All things considered, Kyle Larson has to be the man to beat in this year’s NASCAR playoffs. First, his performance this season was very good. He already has four wins this season, the highest. Larson has demonstrated that he is capable of delivering under pressure, something that made him clinch the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series title.
He has also been rather successful on playoff tracks. He has won races in 8 out of the 10 tracks that will be featured in the postseason. The fact that he can handle all categories of tracks ranging from road courses, short tracks and ovals puts him in a different league of the competition.
Another factor that will enhance Larson’s performance is his ability to remain cool under pressure.
The playoffs are where his versatility comes in handy especially considering that it consists of a variety of tracks such as Bristol and Watkins Glen among others. Mostly, Larson’s best performances have been recorded in high-speed tracks and this makes him a formidable contender.
Finally, his mentality is key. While recognizing that the playoffs are always unpredictable, Larson is focused on getting the job done.
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