NASCAR: Win Droughts Heading Into Michigan

Winning NASCAR races is not always easy. Some drivers have had very long waits since earning their latest victory in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. In fact, some have never won at all.

With 22 races completed in this season’s 36-race schedule, many drivers are searching for their first victory in a long time. In fact, some drivers are searching for their first career NASCAR Cup Series victory. Which drivers are trying to end the longest winless streaks?

After back-to-back weeks for drivers who snapped a winless streak with Kasey Kahne at Indianapolis and Kyle Busch at Pocono, the winner at Watkins Glen was a driver who has visited Victory Lane multiple times this year, Martin Truex Jr.

The 2nd place finisher was Matt Kenseth, who, if he had finished one spot higher, would have snapped his 38-race winless streak. Kenseth needs a win to secure his spot in the playoffs and also to find a ride in the 2018 season.

NOTE: These lists include drivers that are in the series with full-time rides only. Also, they only include the races in which the drivers have competed.

Drivers Searching for First Career Victory

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The number of races beside the names of these drivers is the number of races in which they have driven in their careers.

9. Daniel Suarez, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota (22 races dating back to 2017)

8. Erik Jones, Furniture Row Racing, Toyota (25 races dating back to 2016)

7. Ty Dillon, Germain Racing, Chevrolet (40 races dating back to 2014)

6. Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet (63 races dating back to 2015)

5. Matt DiBenedetto, Go FAS Racing, Ford (90 races dating back to 2015)

4. Cole Whitt, TriStar Motorsport, Ford (134 races dating back to 2011)

3. Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford (176 races dating back to 2013)

2. Michael McDowell, Leavine Family Racing, Chevrolet (235 races dating back to 2008)

1. Landon Cassill, Front Row Motorsports, Ford (245 races dating back to 2010)

Drivers In A Winless Streak

Below is a list of drivers with a winless streak equal to or longer than the amount of races in one NASCAR season, which is 36. The number of races beside the names of these drivers is the amount of races completed since their latest victory; it does not include their latest win.

10. Chris Buescher, JTG-Daugherty Racing, Chevrolet (37 races – 2016 Pocono)

9. Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota (39 races – 2016 Loudon)

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet (41 races –2015 Phoenix)

7. Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports, Ford (105 races – 2014 Daytona)

6. A.J. Allmendinger, JTG-Daugherty Racing, Chevrolet (108 races – 2014 Watkins Glen)

5. Jamie McMurray, Chip Ganassi Racing, Chevrolet (134 races –2013 Talladega)

4. Trevor Bayne, Roush Fenway Racing, Ford (150 races – 2011 Daytona)

3. David Ragan, Front Row Motorsports, Ford  (156 races – 2013 Talladega)

2. Clint Bowyer, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford (170 races – 2012 Richmond)

1. Paul Menard, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet (218 races – 2011 Indianapolis)

Next: NASCAR: Five Possible Landing Spots for Matt Kenseth in 2018

With 14 races to go this season and four in the regular season alone, there will be plenty of opportunities for some of these drivers and teams to end their lengthy winless streaks. Some drivers and teams will also try to avoid letting small win droughts turn into longer ones. Which drivers and teams will have success this season while others add to their win droughts?