A split image depicting Shane van Gisbergen (L), Carson Hocevar (C) and Ty Gibbs (R).

2025 vs. 2026: Cup drivers with biggest jump in average finish through 18 races

By Staff Report | Published: July 1, 2026 8

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A year can make all the difference. With 18 NASCAR Cup Series races complete in 2026 -- the official halfway mark of the season -- a slew of drivers have significantly improved their mark in the average finish department compared to this point last year.

Check out this gallery -- with data from Racing Insights -- to view the seven Cup Series drivers with the biggest improvement in average finish in 2026 compared to 2025 through 18 races.

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Riley Herbst waves to the crowd before a NASCAR Cup Series race.

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7. Riley Herbst

2025 average finish through 18 races: 25.9

2026 average finish through 18 races: 20.9

Difference: +5.0

2026 standings position through 18 races: 25th

Best 2026 finish through 18 races: 8th (Daytona, Naval Base Coronado)

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Tyler Reddick celebrates in Victory Lane.

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6. Tyler Reddick

2025 average finish through 18 races: 14.9

2026 average finish through 18 races: 9.8

Difference: +5.1

2026 standings position through 18 races: 2nd

Best 2026 finish through 18 races: 1st (Daytona, EchoPark, Circuit of The Americas, Darlington, Kansas)

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Shane van Gisbergen looks on as confetti falls.

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5. Shane van Gisbergen

2025 average finish through 18 races: 24.2

2026 average finish through 18 races: 18.6

Difference: +5.6

2026 standings position through 18 races: 14th

Best 2026 finish through 18 races: 1st (Watkins Glen, Sonoma)

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Matt Kelley | Getty Images

4. Ty Gibbs

2025 average finish through 18 races: 19.1

2026 average finish through 18 races: 13.2

Difference: +5.9

2026 standings position through 18 races: 4th

Best 2026 finish through 18 races: 1st (Bristol)

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Ryan Blaney points to the crowd while standing atop his No. 12 Team Penske Ford.

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3. Ryan Blaney

2025 average finish through 18 races: 17.8

2026 average finish through 18 races: 11.3

Difference: +6.6

2026 standings position through 18 races: 3rd

Best 2026 finish through 18 races: 1st (Phoenix)

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Daniel Suárez celebrates in Victory Lane.

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2. Daniel Suárez

2025 average finish through 18 races: 21.4

2026 average finish through 18 races: 14.6

Difference: +6.8

2026 standings position through 18 races: 9th

Best 2026 finish through 18 races: 1st (Charlotte)

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Carson Hocevar celebrates in Victory Lane.

David Jensen | Getty Images

1. Carson Hocevar

2025 average finish through 18 races: 21.8

2026 average finish through 18 races: 14.6

Difference: +7.2

2026 standings position through 18 races: 8th

Best 2026 finish through 18 races: 1st (Talladega)