This article provides a guide on who to cheer for during the 2024 Daytona 500, categorized by different driver traits.
Maybe you don't watch much NASCAR yet, but your friends or family will likely have the Daytona 500 on the television on Sunday afternoon. If you want to root for someone but are overwhelmed by the number of drivers, we're here to help. Choosing who to cheer for depends on what qualities you admire in a driver. We've categorized drivers based on different traits and provided our top picks, along with some alternative options. Note: We're focusing on drivers competing in the full season.
\If popularity is your measure, Chase Elliott reigns supreme. The 29-year-old Hendrick driver is the 2020 Cup champion and has been named Most Popular Driver for the past seven years. His father, Bill, won the award an impressive 16 times. Other contenders for the most popular driver title include Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney, who came in second and third in the 2024 Most Popular Driver voting respectively. \For those who appreciate raw speed and racing prowess, Kyle Larson is your go-to driver. Larson, who has won three major sprint-car and midget races since the 2024 season concluded, will be competing in the Indianapolis 500 for his second consecutive year. If you want a driver who can push the limits of speed, a true racer who can explain the intricacies of car performance, Larson is your champion. Christopher Bell and Kyle Busch are also strong contenders in this category. Bell shares a similar passion for sprint cars with Larson, while Busch is renowned for his participation in late models and other stock-car events. \If you're looking for a young talent with a promising future, Ty Gibbs is an excellent choice. Although he hasn't secured a win yet, the 22-year-old grandson of team owner and Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, the 2022 Xfinity Series champion, has plenty of time to make his mark on the sport. Other young drivers worth watching include Todd Gilliland (age 24), Zane Smith (25), and Noah Gragson (26), all of whom are part of the Front Row Motorsports stable. These young drivers bring a dynamic energy to the track and possess a certain swagger, except perhaps for Gilliland, who is considered the veteran of the group. \For those who value experience and championship pedigree, Joey Logano is an ideal choice. At 34 years old, Logano has already achieved three championships and enters his 17th season in the Cup Series. With his proven track record and youthful energy, Logano has the potential to remain a dominant force in the sport for another decade. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who is entering his 13th year of Cup racing, is another strong contender in this category. \If you prefer a driver with a bit of an edge and a knack for stirring up controversy, Denny Hamlin might be your pick. Hamlin is undeniably one of the most polarizing figures in the series, known for his brash and outspoken personality. After securing a win in 2023, he declared, 'I beat your favorite driver,' which was met with boos from the crowd. Despite his polarizing nature, Hamlin remains a compelling figure, with a popular podcast titled 'Actions Detrimental' that showcases his unapologetic personality. Kyle Busch, who once held a similar polarizing aura, has seemingly mellowed in recent years, with his 57-race winless streak and move to Richard Childress Racing softening the animosity directed towards him
NASCAR Daytona 500 Chase Elliott Kyle Larson Ty Gibbs Joey Logano Denny Hamlin Brad Keselowski Alex Bowman Bubba Wallace Daniel Suarez Kyle Busch Austin Dillon William Byron
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