Diamond in the Rough: Chase Elliott Soars to Third
The LA News Center ranks Chase Elliott third on this electrifying list after his undeniable triumph at the Texas Motor Speedway. But it’s not just that one victory; it’s the relentless consistency displayed in Richmond (fifth place) and Martinsville (third place). By challenging for wins on consecutive weekends at two vastly different tracks, Elliott has cemented his place among the series’ most formidable drivers.
Hendrick’s Wonder Boy: William Byron Maintains Dominance
Elliott’s triumph aside, William Byron stands firm at the helm. His third-place finish in Texas marks his fourth top-five this season, adding to his three earlier victories. Looking back at this point last year, Elliott had only participated in three races, a stark contrast to the nine he’s finished this year.
Comparing the Present to the Past: A Year-Over-Year Analysis
1. William Byron
Byron surpasses his record from nine races ago, even more impressive considering the 60-point penalty he faced for a greenhouse violation. This year’s 297 points and three wins eclipse last year’s 208 points (268 without the penalty) and two wins.
2. Kyle Larson
Although Larson missed out on potential victories, he’s maximized points, leading the series standings despite having fewer wins this year than last. The Hendrick driver holds 335 points and one win, compared to 285 points and two wins nine races into the 2023 season.
3. Chase Elliott
Elliott’s impressive 303 points and a single win this season outshine his meager 76 points in just three races last year. His average point total of 33.7 this year soars above the 25.3 from the same time last year.
The Rest of the Pack: A Mix of Improvement and Setbacks
4. Denny Hamlin
Like Byron, Hamlin faced a 25-point penalty last year. Despite this hurdle, he emerges stronger this year with 307 points and two wins, compared to last year’s 247 points (272 without the penalty) and zero wins.
5. Christopher Bell
Bell’s consistency has been hampered by five accidents this year, affecting his point-earning potential. He stands at 250 points with one win, down from 302 points and one win nine races into last year.
6. Tyler Reddick
Reddick mirrors his 2023 performance, having earned 269 points with no wins this year, similar to his 265 points and one win at this point last season.
7. Ty Gibbs
Ty Gibbs has showcased vast improvement in his sophomore season, accumulating 280 points after nine races. Last year, he had just 193 points.
8. Martin Truex Jr.
Truex may appear frustrated at times, but his stats reflect a solid start compared to 2023. His 318 points surpass 266 points nine races into last season.
9. Ryan Blaney
The lone Ford on this list, Blaney has made a slightly better start. Despite lacking a win this year, he has accumulated 278 points, compared to 241 after nine races in 2023.
10. Bubba Wallace
Wallace has rebounded from a rough 2023 start, amassing 256 points this year. His three top-5 and four top-10 finishes contrast with just 175 points at this point last year.
On the Verge:
- Alex Bowman
- Chris Buescher
- Chase Briscoe
- Ross Chastain
- Brad Keselowski
- Joey Logano
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
