Five to Watch: XFINITY drivers in 2017

William Byron

The Camping World Truck Series rookie and seven-time 2016 winner looked poised to win the series title until an engine failure in the second-to-last race at Phoenix took him out of Chase contention. As Byron steps into the XFINITY Series and JR Motorsports as part of a multi-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports, the 19-year-old rising star will certainly be one to watch in 2017 -- and beyond.

Cole Custer

Custer made five XFINITY starts in 2016, notching two top-six finishes at Richmond and Charlotte. A two-time Camping World Truck Series winner, his talent and aggression on the track bode well for an exciting rookie campaign for Custer, who will drive the No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the XFINITY Series in 2017.

Daniel Hemric

Hemric increased his laps led by six-fold and more than doubled his top-five count from 2015 to 2016. With Richard Childress Racing expanding its XFINITY camp, the former Brad Keselowski Racing driver will have a chance to flex his muscle in the No. 21 Chevrolet in 2017. Look for his on-track improvements to increase this year.

Spencer Gallagher

Gallagher matched a career-best runner-up finish at Talladega in 2016 wheeling the No. 23 truck. With his seven 2016 XFINITY starts increasing to a full-time slate in 2017, expect the consistent seat time to aid Gallagher's driver development.

Tyler Reddick

The Brad Keselowski Racing driver failed to make the first Camping World Truck Series Chase field, but he did shake up the game with a Las Vegas win in the midst of the playoffs. He ended the year on a high note with a runner-up at Homestead. Reddick's new ride -- the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet in the XFINITY Series -- saw three trips to Victory Lane in 2016 with Kyle Larson (two) and Justin Marks (one). That bodes well for Reddick, who will split time in the driver's seat with Larson.