As the anticipation builds for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season, fans and enthusiasts alike eagerly await the green flag to drop at the Daytona 500 on February 18th, 2024. The racing world is abuzz with excitement, and the drivers are gearing up for a thrilling campaign. To set the stage for the much-anticipated action, here's a comprehensive look at the power rankings, showcasing the top 20 contenders poised to make a significant impact in the new season.

20. Ryan Preece: One of the worst wrecks I have ever seen came from the #42 Ford Mustang of Ryan Preece last season at Daytona.  You may be able to question if he's good enough to be a champion, but his toughness is unquestioned as he didn't even sit out a week after the wreck last year.  Preece finished the season with one Top 5 finish and a pair of Top 10's.  

19. Michael McDowell: McDowell showed a lot of promise last season, making the playoffs with one win under his belt.  Let's see if they can make it back-to-back playoff years for the #34.  Right now, I've got him starting the season just inside the Top 20. 

18. Daniel Suarez: Suarez didn't win a race last year, but he did finish with 3 Top-five finishes.  I've got Suarez sitting at 18th because it will be a minute before we get to a road course, which is where he excels.  

17. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.:  Can Stenhouse Jr. repeat as Daytona 500 Champion?  One thing for sure after The Busch Light Clash is that he hasn't lost that fire to compete.  Let's see if he can start off the season with a solid Top 5.

16. Alex Bowman: I believe that if Bowman didn't get hurt last season racing outside of the Cup Series, then he would have made it in on points.  It's difficult for anyone to miss a single race and still make the Playoffs, let alone three. 

15. Ty Gibbs: I'm looking for Ty Gibbs to make the playoffs this year.  When your Grandfather owns a racing team, you'll have some valuable insights to learn from.  And I think that's enough to move him up in the standings a couple spots from last season.  

14. Chris Buescher: I'm not sure if Buescher can match or get more than the 3 wins he had last season.  But I've still got him inside the cut to start the season because he is a very reliable and smart driver with only 1 DNF on his record from last season.  

13. Christopher Bell: Did Bell get lucky last season, or is he really one of the Top 4 drivers at the Cup level? I'm going to say "no."  But that doesn't mean he's not in the top half of Cup drivers.  I'll start him in 13th, and feel good when he forces me to move him up with some solid finishes.  

12. Ross Chastain:  Like him or not, this watermelon farmer is good for NASCAR.  He's the bad guy.  He's the guy who doesn't care who he needs to push out of the way to gain a spot.  He's not my favorite, but I like him. 

11. Bubba Wallace: 23XI is going to be a contender in the future.  They've got a new facility being built as we speak and they have two solid drivers to compete this season for a Championship.  I would love to see Bubba come away with a win...with Denny pushing him at Daytona! Oh, could you just imagine?

10. Brad Keselowski:  When Keselowski jumped into the #6, I thought he was done.  I thought I saw a former Champion just going to a team to finish off his career before he rides off into the sunset.  It's very obvious that's not what he's here for. 

9. Tyler Reddick: Tyler Reddick had a solid year in '23 for "Mr. 23, aka Michael Jordan."  I expect Reddick to be competing for Phoenix heading into the race prior.  

8. Joey Logano: I just don't believe this former Champion of just two years ago is done winning races.  He finished 12th last year with one win, and I say he at least doubles that total this year.

7. William Byron: If nobody else is going to say it, then I will.  Byron is racing to stay in the #24 for the 2025 season.  Is it Champion or Bust for Byron?  Only time will tell, but I wouldn't leave it up to the powers that be if I were him.  He had the most wins last year (6), but without a title, I don't think he stays in the car even if he matches that number in 2024. 

6. Chase Elliott: NASCAR'S Most Popular Driver missed almost two months of racing last year and still almost made the playoffs.  I expect Elliott to win a handful of races this season.

5. Martin Truex Jr.:  It always seems like Martin Truex Jr. has made it over the hump and is about to return to the same form that made him the 2017 Champion.  Is this the year?

4. Denny Hamlin:  Hamlin had shoulder surgery shortly after the end of last season.  He looks to have regained his form already with a win at the Busch Light Clash.  

3. Ryan Blaney: Have you seen NASCAR Full Speed yet on Netflix?  If you have, then you know this is "Ryan F*CKING Blaney."  And he is the defending Cup Series Champion.  He's got an attitude, he's got a short switch in the car, but he's got one big a## trophy sitting in his house right now.  Blaney will be a force to be dealt with this season.

2. Kyle Busch: Third year is a charm, right? Busch has entered his third season with Richard Childress Racing.  And I'm sure he wasn't overly satisfied with his 14th place finish in the standings in 2023.  

1. Kyle Larson: Kyle Larson just might be the most talented driver in the entire field, and you can pretty much say that regardless of what type of track the NASCAR Cup Series is racing on any given weekend. It's only been 3 years since he was crowned a Champion.  Now you have (arguably) the best driver on one of the top teams in the sport.  

This is going to be a fun season!  Let's go!!

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Jeff Demers
Sports Media X
Sports Director/Journalist