As the dust settles on an electrifying 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, the numbers and moments that defined the year paint a vivid picture of triumphs, challenges, and the changing guard in the sport.
Joey Logano claimed his third Cup Series championship, Kyle Larson dominated the stats, and NASCAR said farewell to one of its all-time greats, Martin Truex Jr.
Here’s a breakdown of the most compelling statistics and storylines from the season.
The Champions: Joey Logano and Team Penske
Joey Logano’s third championship was a testament to strategic brilliance and clutch performances. Seeded ninth entering the playoffs, Logano defied the odds, taking three of his four season wins during the last 10 races. While his 2024 campaign didn’t feature the statistical dominance of his competitors, his timing and consistency sealed the deal.
Statistical Standouts
- Wins: Kyle Larson led the series with six wins, showcasing his mastery across different tracks. Logano followed with four, including critical playoff victories.
- Stage Wins: Larson also excelled in stage races, notching 12 stage wins, edging Christopher Bell’s 11.
- Laps Led: Larson topped this category too, with 1,699 laps led, ahead of Bell’s 1,131. Denny Hamlin (943) and Tyler Reddick (597) rounded out the top four.
- Top Five Finishes: Bell and Larson tied for the lead with 15 each.
- Poles: Michael McDowell surprised many with six poles, thanks to superspeedway prowess, while Larson claimed five.
Consistency is Key
- Top-20 Finishes: Christopher Bell set the standard with 23 finishes inside the top 20 across 36 races.
- Average Finish: Chase Elliott led the series with an 11.7 average finish, reflecting a consistent but not dominant season.
- Lead Lap Finishes: Elliott also shone in this category, finishing on the lead lap in 32 of 36 races. Denny Hamlin was close behind with 30.
Loop Data Highlights
Advanced analytics revealed deeper insights into driver performances:
- Best Closer: Christopher Bell topped the field, averaging 3.2 spots gained per race.
- Driver Rating: Larson posted the highest rating at 101.2, showcasing his all-around excellence.
- Fastest Early in a Run: William Byron excelled with a rank of 7.935.
- Fastest Late in a Run: Ryan Blaney emerged as the master of endurance, with a rank of 7.148.
- Restarts: Blaney also led the series in restart performance.
- Top 15 Laps: Hamlin spent the most time in the top 15, running 7,565 laps in that echelon.
The Farewell of a Legend: Martin Truex Jr.
The 2024 season marked the end of an era, as Martin Truex Jr. stepped away from full-time racing. With 693 Cup Series starts, 34 wins, and the 2017 championship, Truex leaves behind a legacy of excellence and resilience.
- Career Highlights:
- 147 top-five finishes
- 291 top-10 finishes
- 25 poles
- 12,747 laps led
- Wins in two of NASCAR’s crown jewels: the Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500
- Closest finish in Daytona 500 history (2016), where he lost to Denny Hamlin by 0.01 seconds.
Truex’s Xfinity Series career was equally impressive, with two consecutive championships in 2004 and 2005 and a total of 13 wins in just 104 starts.
Milestones and Trends
- Diverse Winners: The season featured 17 different winners, reflecting a competitive and unpredictable field. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, William Byron, and Denny Hamlin were among the most consistent names in Victory Lane.
- Speeding Penalties: Martin Truex Jr. topped an unwanted leaderboard with eight speeding penalties.
- Playoff Era Trends: For the third time in the elimination era, 14 drivers won regular-season races, highlighting the depth of competition.
Looking Ahead
As the sport transitions to 2025, questions loom large:
- Will Kyle Larson maintain his dominant form?
- Can Joey Logano defend his championship?
- How will teams and drivers adapt to the evolving landscape of NASCAR?
The numbers and stories of 2024 prove that while champions are crowned on the track, the statistics tell the tale of an entire field battling for glory. NASCAR’s next chapter promises even more twists, turns, and unforgettable moments.
