BACK TO GALLERIES
2023 NASCAR superlatives at regular-season mid-point
By NASCAR Editorial Staff and @nascarcasm | Published: May 25, 2023 27
Sean Gardner | Getty Images
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Sean Gardner | Getty Images
We're speeding through the regular season with the first 13 races of the NASCAR Cup Series season in the books. From big wins to off-track feuds to surprise appearances at the track, scroll through the gallery to see some of the stellar superlatives from the midway point of the regular season — with lighthearted contributions from @nascarcasm.
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BIGGEST STORY LINE
Chase Elliott sidelined with injury. When the sport's most popular driver went down in a snowboarding incident, all eyes turned to when he would return to racing. In his absence, Josh Berry became a rising star on the Cup Series level, weeks passed and Elliott was left in a big hole regarding playoff standing. Still searching for his first win in 2023, this would be a nice comeback story for the No. 9 team.
Chase Elliott sidelined with injury. When the sport's most popular driver went down in a snowboarding incident, all eyes turned to when he would return to racing. In his absence, Josh Berry became a rising star on the Cup Series level, weeks passed and Elliott was left in a big hole regarding playoff standing. Still searching for his first win in 2023, this would be a nice comeback story for the No. 9 team.
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Jonathan Bachman | Getty Images
BEST RACE
Kansas. An exciting afternoon of racing boiled down to Kyle Larson vs. Denny Hamlin for the race win. Two hard, determined racers showed each other grace as the laps winded down, but pushing it to the limit, Larson got loose and Hamlin nudged him aside on the last lap for an electric victory in the Sunflower State.
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PHENOMENAL PHOTO
NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers at Darlington. It's a rare occasion when so much history, so many wins and so much tradition is all gathered together in a single room. Just being able to get this many drivers from various decades together to celebrate the sport's anniversary is nearly a miracle. It was a memory and a moment that will last for a lifetime.
NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers at Darlington. It's a rare occasion when so much history, so many wins and so much tradition is all gathered together in a single room. Just being able to get this many drivers from various decades together to celebrate the sport's anniversary is nearly a miracle. It was a memory and a moment that will last for a lifetime.
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GUTSIEST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Tyler Reddick. The 23XI Racing driver managed to maintain the lead in four consecutive overtimes at COTA. Hell, the race may not even be over yet. — @nascarcasm
Tyler Reddick. The 23XI Racing driver managed to maintain the lead in four consecutive overtimes at COTA. Hell, the race may not even be over yet. — @nascarcasm
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MOST INTENSE MOMENT
Apparently, the on-track tension between Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson had been simmering for some time. But it finally boiled over on pit road following the Kansas race, leading to a flush right hook from Chastain and Gragson scrambling to get him back. Fortunately, or unfortunately for Gragson, the situation was contained by security rather quickly — and both drivers have seemingly put the altercation behind them.
Apparently, the on-track tension between Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson had been simmering for some time. But it finally boiled over on pit road following the Kansas race, leading to a flush right hook from Chastain and Gragson scrambling to get him back. Fortunately, or unfortunately for Gragson, the situation was contained by security rather quickly — and both drivers have seemingly put the altercation behind them.
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James Gilbert | Getty Images
BIGGEST SURPRISE
RFK Racing. In just Year 2 since the rebrand and Brad Keselowski joining the ownership group, both cars are in position to point their way into the playoffs. The group hasn't reached Victory Lane yet in 2023 but has made significant strides — and in case you missed it, Keselowski is currently top eight in points.
RFK Racing. In just Year 2 since the rebrand and Brad Keselowski joining the ownership group, both cars are in position to point their way into the playoffs. The group hasn't reached Victory Lane yet in 2023 but has made significant strides — and in case you missed it, Keselowski is currently top eight in points.
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UNDISPUTED SUPER-SUB OF NASCAR
Josh Berry. He has courageously filled in for two Hendrick drivers, taking the baton from Regan Smith. Josh is commendable for doing so. Me, I'd be selling Hendrick setup data on the dark web. — @nascarcasm
Josh Berry. He has courageously filled in for two Hendrick drivers, taking the baton from Regan Smith. Josh is commendable for doing so. Me, I'd be selling Hendrick setup data on the dark web. — @nascarcasm
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BIGGEST RIVALRY
Ross Chastain vs. Hendrick Motorsports. Multiple drivers, crew chiefs and even Mr. H himself chimed in on Ross' driving style. Whether fair or not, Chastain has found himself involved in many on-track mixups with their Chevy partner organization. With multiple championship contenders in the Hendrick Motorsports stable, and Chastain leading the series in points, it's hard to believe we've seen the last of these run-ins — there's a title on the line.
Ross Chastain vs. Hendrick Motorsports. Multiple drivers, crew chiefs and even Mr. H himself chimed in on Ross' driving style. Whether fair or not, Chastain has found himself involved in many on-track mixups with their Chevy partner organization. With multiple championship contenders in the Hendrick Motorsports stable, and Chastain leading the series in points, it's hard to believe we've seen the last of these run-ins — there's a title on the line.
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HOTTEST TREND OF 2023
Injuring yourself. Stop it. — @nascarcasm
Injuring yourself. Stop it. — @nascarcasm
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Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
QUICKEST ON PIT ROAD
No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet pit crew. Yes, Ross Chastain is a common theme among a number of superlatives, but his team really has been outstanding this year; so let's show them some love. They lead all Cup Series teams with a blazing fast 11.088-second stop time on average through Darlington and have played a significant role in keeping him atop the series standings.
No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet pit crew. Yes, Ross Chastain is a common theme among a number of superlatives, but his team really has been outstanding this year; so let's show them some love. They lead all Cup Series teams with a blazing fast 11.088-second stop time on average through Darlington and have played a significant role in keeping him atop the series standings.
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Chris Graythen | Getty Images
MOST IMPRESSIVE ROOKIE
Ty Gibbs. Albeit not a deep rookie class this year, Gibbs is starting to flash his superstar potential as he gets more seat time. He had an impressive run-of-form with four consecutive top-10 finishes from Atlanta Motor Speedway to Bristol Dirt and could definitely be a wildcard for a win down the final stretch of the regular season.
Ty Gibbs. Albeit not a deep rookie class this year, Gibbs is starting to flash his superstar potential as he gets more seat time. He had an impressive run-of-form with four consecutive top-10 finishes from Atlanta Motor Speedway to Bristol Dirt and could definitely be a wildcard for a win down the final stretch of the regular season.
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Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
MOST EXCITING MOMENT
Return to North Wilkesboro. This one also speaks for itself. It was a miraculous revival of a track and facility engrained with so much of NASCAR's history. It was good to be back.
Return to North Wilkesboro. This one also speaks for itself. It was a miraculous revival of a track and facility engrained with so much of NASCAR's history. It was good to be back.
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Chris Graythen | Getty Images
MASTER OF QUALIFYING
Kyle Larson. Larson, Joey Logano and William Byron each have two Busch Light Pole Awards this season, but Larson has the best average starting position among drivers who've started every race this season. Currently at 8.5, he's on pace for his fourth consecutive sub-10 season.
Kyle Larson. Larson, Joey Logano and William Byron each have two Busch Light Pole Awards this season, but Larson has the best average starting position among drivers who've started every race this season. Currently at 8.5, he's on pace for his fourth consecutive sub-10 season.
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Sean Gardner | Getty Images
GREATEST FOR CONTENT
Ross Chastain. Coming in second? Ross Chastain. And third also. Ross Chastain provides a torrent of on-track moments which cascade into a lake of likes and engagement. A tip of the cap. — @nascarcasm
Ross Chastain. Coming in second? Ross Chastain. And third also. Ross Chastain provides a torrent of on-track moments which cascade into a lake of likes and engagement. A tip of the cap. — @nascarcasm
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James Gilbert | Getty Images
BEST SIBLING PERFORMANCE
Martin and Ryan Truex. Dover weekend was a spectacular 1-2 punch for the two, with Ryan winning the Xfinity Series race, and Martin winning the Cup Series race. Hands down, the greatest siblings to hail from New Jersey. STAND DOWN, JONAS BROTHERS. — @nascarcasm
Martin and Ryan Truex. Dover weekend was a spectacular 1-2 punch for the two, with Ryan winning the Xfinity Series race, and Martin winning the Cup Series race. Hands down, the greatest siblings to hail from New Jersey. STAND DOWN, JONAS BROTHERS. — @nascarcasm
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Jonathan Bachman | Getty Images
BEST FIRE SUIT
Brad Keselowski and Kings Hawaiian. When it comes to getting the most out of a sponsorship, being bold is often the best option. And not many fire suits are as bold as the bright, vibrant-orange suit that Keselowski shows off throughout the season — and no, it’s not just the winner because the rolls are incredibly tasty. But that definitely doesn’t hurt.
Brad Keselowski and Kings Hawaiian. When it comes to getting the most out of a sponsorship, being bold is often the best option. And not many fire suits are as bold as the bright, vibrant-orange suit that Keselowski shows off throughout the season — and no, it’s not just the winner because the rolls are incredibly tasty. But that definitely doesn’t hurt.
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Sean Gardner | Getty Images
MOST SURPRISING SURPRISE GUEST
Pete Davidson at the Daytona 500. We assume he was there asking where the single-car teams were. — @nascarcasm
Pete Davidson at the Daytona 500. We assume he was there asking where the single-car teams were. — @nascarcasm
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Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
BEST PAINT SCHEME
Kevin Harvick's return to the No. 29 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Was there any other choice? The history, coupled with the Next Gen Ford Mustang — this just screams race car driver. And it's a memory of one of the most significant moments in NASCAR history.
Kevin Harvick's return to the No. 29 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Was there any other choice? The history, coupled with the Next Gen Ford Mustang — this just screams race car driver. And it's a memory of one of the most significant moments in NASCAR history.
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Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
LEAST APT METAPHOR
North Wilkesboro is the Field of Dreams. Not really apples to apples. The Field of Dreams was purposely built for deceased players to play baseball again. Wilkesboro already existed, and my sources tell me Red Byron was not spotted wandering pit road. — @nascarcasm
North Wilkesboro is the Field of Dreams. Not really apples to apples. The Field of Dreams was purposely built for deceased players to play baseball again. Wilkesboro already existed, and my sources tell me Red Byron was not spotted wandering pit road. — @nascarcasm
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James Gilbert | Getty Images
MOST WELCOME ADDITION
Frankie Muniz. It’s been a joy to watch the former actor thrive in the ARCA Menards Series. The results show that he is taking his foray into racing very seriously. He just needs to work on not being in the middle of shots so eight million people won’t tweet the obvious joke at once. — @nascarcasm
Frankie Muniz. It’s been a joy to watch the former actor thrive in the ARCA Menards Series. The results show that he is taking his foray into racing very seriously. He just needs to work on not being in the middle of shots so eight million people won’t tweet the obvious joke at once. — @nascarcasm
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James Gilbert | Getty Images
TOP CONTENDER BELOW THE ELIMINATION LINE
Daniel Suárez. If you look at Trackhouse Racing's season, you'll find the No. 1 team and the No. 99 team are having very different campaigns. Suárez's first half to the season was mired by bad luck and frustration after a deep playoff run in 2022. Luckily for the No. 99 group, its speed is starting to show up and is still has a lot of time to make a strong push.
Daniel Suárez. If you look at Trackhouse Racing's season, you'll find the No. 1 team and the No. 99 team are having very different campaigns. Suárez's first half to the season was mired by bad luck and frustration after a deep playoff run in 2022. Luckily for the No. 99 group, its speed is starting to show up and is still has a lot of time to make a strong push.
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Chris Graythen | Getty Images
BEST TROPHY
The North Wilkesboro Still. Look at this beauty. Hand it to your kid and he’ll get the blue ribbon in the school science fair. “It’s how you make some of that skull-cracking Carolina stump water, Mrs. Holdenberry.” — @nascarcasm
The North Wilkesboro Still. Look at this beauty. Hand it to your kid and he’ll get the blue ribbon in the school science fair. “It’s how you make some of that skull-cracking Carolina stump water, Mrs. Holdenberry.” — @nascarcasm
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BIGGEST REVELATION
Carl Edwards and Kasey Kahne arrived Darlington Raceway looking hardly any older than they did when they retired. Maybe even younger. These two have been taking IV collagen drips between Botox appointments or something. Just start eating a bunch of Hot Pockets and developing that dad bod and quit making the rest of us feel awful about ourselves, OK. — @nascarcasm
Carl Edwards and Kasey Kahne arrived Darlington Raceway looking hardly any older than they did when they retired. Maybe even younger. These two have been taking IV collagen drips between Botox appointments or something. Just start eating a bunch of Hot Pockets and developing that dad bod and quit making the rest of us feel awful about ourselves, OK. — @nascarcasm
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Sean Gardner | Getty Images
XFINITY SERIES STANDOUT
Austin Hill. Entering the season, Hill was seen as one of the most dominant superspeedway racers in NASCAR. But after 11 races, he has quickly shifted to one of the most well-rounded rising stars in the sport. Hill already has three victories, five top-five finishes and eight top 10s. Expect him to be a significant factor in this year's championship battle.
Austin Hill. Entering the season, Hill was seen as one of the most dominant superspeedway racers in NASCAR. But after 11 races, he has quickly shifted to one of the most well-rounded rising stars in the sport. Hill already has three victories, five top-five finishes and eight top 10s. Expect him to be a significant factor in this year's championship battle.
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Chris Graythen | Getty Images
CRAFSTMAN TRUCK SERIES STANDOUT
Corey Heim. Following a stellar part-time campaign in 2022, Heim has thrust himself to the forefront of the sport's prospect chart and is quickly making a name for himself. He leads the Truck Series points standings and found Victory Lane at Martinsville Speedway. But perhaps his most impressive feat is consistently being a contender almost every week; he's finished outside the top 10 just twice all year.
Corey Heim. Following a stellar part-time campaign in 2022, Heim has thrust himself to the forefront of the sport's prospect chart and is quickly making a name for himself. He leads the Truck Series points standings and found Victory Lane at Martinsville Speedway. But perhaps his most impressive feat is consistently being a contender almost every week; he's finished outside the top 10 just twice all year.
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Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
DIECAST WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR
The Choose Drone. So beautifully it levitated above the Bristol Dirt, its glowing orange light illuminating our souls. Its capabilities are limitless. It should have been delivering nachos and beer to fans in the stands between restarts. Say what you will – I for one welcome our autonomous airborne robot overlords. — @nascarcasm
The Choose Drone. So beautifully it levitated above the Bristol Dirt, its glowing orange light illuminating our souls. Its capabilities are limitless. It should have been delivering nachos and beer to fans in the stands between restarts. Say what you will – I for one welcome our autonomous airborne robot overlords. — @nascarcasm