BACK TO GALLERIES
Young drivers who could win next in 2018
By Allie Davison | Published: July 12, 2018 8
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Erik Jones won one for the 'Young Guns' on Saturday at Daytona with his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory. With all eyes on the crop of budding talent, here's a look at which 'Young Gun' could take the next checkered -- and where.
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Kyle Larson, 25 years old
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver was inches away ... literally ... from celebrating his first victory of the 2018 season. With four runner-up finishes (Fontana, Bristol, Pocono, Chicagoland) already to his name this season, Larson arguably has the best handle on the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 body, too. The driver of the No. 42 has more Monster Energy Series wins than any other active driver under 25 (five) and it's a matter of when not if.
Most likely to win: Michigan-2
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver was inches away ... literally ... from celebrating his first victory of the 2018 season. With four runner-up finishes (Fontana, Bristol, Pocono, Chicagoland) already to his name this season, Larson arguably has the best handle on the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 body, too. The driver of the No. 42 has more Monster Energy Series wins than any other active driver under 25 (five) and it's a matter of when not if.
Most likely to win: Michigan-2
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Jeff Zelevansky | Getty Images
Ryan Blaney, 24 years old
Despite not having a win this season, the Team Penske driver is having a solid first year with his new team and number. Blaney has three top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes so far through the first half of the season. He typically has a fast Ford Fusion and has led the third most laps this season (463). Four stage wins gives him a small buffer in the playoff standings.
Most likely to win: Pocono-2
Despite not having a win this season, the Team Penske driver is having a solid first year with his new team and number. Blaney has three top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes so far through the first half of the season. He typically has a fast Ford Fusion and has led the third most laps this season (463). Four stage wins gives him a small buffer in the playoff standings.
Most likely to win: Pocono-2
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Jerry Markland | Getty Images
Chase Elliott, 22 years old
The Hendrick Motorsports driver has yet to seal a win in his third full-time Monster Energy Series season. Elliott started in the top three (including a Busch Pole Award) the last three races, but doesn't have the finishes to match. He currently sits 14th in the playoff standings, just ahead of teammates Jimmie Johnson and Alex Bowman.
Most likely to win: Dover-2
The Hendrick Motorsports driver has yet to seal a win in his third full-time Monster Energy Series season. Elliott started in the top three (including a Busch Pole Award) the last three races, but doesn't have the finishes to match. He currently sits 14th in the playoff standings, just ahead of teammates Jimmie Johnson and Alex Bowman.
Most likely to win: Dover-2
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Alex Bowman, 25 years old
Three of his seven top-10 finishes have come in the last three races, and that means good things could be on the horizon for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. Like his teammate Elliott, Bowman has shown speed through the first 18 races, qualifying in the top two at both Daytona stops. Yet, he currently sits in 16th place in the playoff standings and can't afford any middle-pack finishes if he wants to stay there.
Most likely to win: Phoenix-2
Three of his seven top-10 finishes have come in the last three races, and that means good things could be on the horizon for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. Like his teammate Elliott, Bowman has shown speed through the first 18 races, qualifying in the top two at both Daytona stops. Yet, he currently sits in 16th place in the playoff standings and can't afford any middle-pack finishes if he wants to stay there.
Most likely to win: Phoenix-2
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Daniel Suarez, 26 years old
Pressure is on the Joe Gibbs Racing driver as his fellow young teammate (Jones) capitalized on a big win at Daytona. The Mexico native seemed to be hitting his stride with back-to-back top-10s at Richmond and Talladega early in the year, but has since petered out. After making a bold statement at Chicagoland that the No. 19 team would make it to the Playoffs, Suarez must begin to trend upward once more to really do it.
Most likely to win: Watkins Glen
Pressure is on the Joe Gibbs Racing driver as his fellow young teammate (Jones) capitalized on a big win at Daytona. The Mexico native seemed to be hitting his stride with back-to-back top-10s at Richmond and Talladega early in the year, but has since petered out. After making a bold statement at Chicagoland that the No. 19 team would make it to the Playoffs, Suarez must begin to trend upward once more to really do it.
Most likely to win: Watkins Glen
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Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
Bubba Wallace, 24 years old
It has been an interesting rookie season for the Richard Petty Motorsports driver. Wallace started the year with a dazzling, emotional second-place finish in the Daytona 500, but has struggled since. Although a playoff appearance seems unlikely, with tracks where he's performed well in the past like Bristol and Talladega left on the schedule, a win isn't out of the question.
Most likely to win: Talladega-2
It has been an interesting rookie season for the Richard Petty Motorsports driver. Wallace started the year with a dazzling, emotional second-place finish in the Daytona 500, but has struggled since. Although a playoff appearance seems unlikely, with tracks where he's performed well in the past like Bristol and Talladega left on the schedule, a win isn't out of the question.
Most likely to win: Talladega-2
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William Byron, 20 years old
By far the most 'green' of the youngest drivers at the sport's top level, William Byron has started to see some success on the track. At Daytona, the Hendrick Motorsports driver made waves climbing to the front for 12 laps before ultimately getting tangled up with Kyle Busch. Similar to Wallace, Byron has a lot more to learn in the Monster Energy Series, but has proven to be a quick study.
Most likely to win: Phoenix-2
By far the most 'green' of the youngest drivers at the sport's top level, William Byron has started to see some success on the track. At Daytona, the Hendrick Motorsports driver made waves climbing to the front for 12 laps before ultimately getting tangled up with Kyle Busch. Similar to Wallace, Byron has a lot more to learn in the Monster Energy Series, but has proven to be a quick study.
Most likely to win: Phoenix-2