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NASCAR: Win Droughts Heading Into Bristol

By Matt Lovisa

BROOKLYN, MI - AUGUST 11: Paul Menard, driver of the #27 Dutch Boy/Menards Chevrolet, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 11, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, MI - AUGUST 11: Paul Menard, driver of the #27 Dutch Boy/Menards Chevrolet, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 11, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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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 23 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?

Kyle Larson scored this third consecutive win at Michigan International Speedway last weekend and his fourth straight win on the 2-mile D-shaped ovals. Erik Jones finished 3rd at Michigan, the best finish of the drivers who have yet to win in the NASCAR Cup Series. Trevor Bayne finished 5th, the best finish of the drivers who are looking to snap a winless streak.

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

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 (23 races in 2017)

8. Erik Jones, Furniture Row Racing, Toyota (26 races dating back to 2015)

7. Ty Dillon, Germain Racing, Chevrolet (41 races dating back to 2014)

6. Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet (64 races dating back to 2015)

5. Matt DiBenedetto, Go FAS Racing, Ford (91 races dating back to 2015)

4. Cole Whitt, TriStar Motorsport, Ford (135 races dating back to 2011)

3. Danica Patrick, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford (177 races dating back to 2013)

2. Michael McDowell, Leavine Family Racing, Chevrolet (236 races dating back to 2008)

1. Landon Cassill, Front Row Motorsports, Ford (246 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 (38 races – 2016 Pocono)

9. Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota (40 races – 2016 Loudon)

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet (42 races –2015 Phoenix)

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7. Aric Almirola, Richard Petty Motorsports, Ford (106 races – 2014 Daytona)

6. A.J. Allmendinger, JTG-Daugherty Racing, Chevrolet (109 races – 2014 Watkins Glen)

5. Jamie McMurray, Chip Ganassi Racing, Chevrolet (135 races –2013 Talladega)

4. Trevor Bayne, Roush Fenway Racing, Ford (151 races – 2011 Daytona)

3. David Ragan, Front Row Motorsports, Ford  (157 races – 2013 Talladega)

2. Clint Bowyer, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford (171 races – 2012 Richmond)

1. Paul Menard, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet (219 races – 2011 Indianapolis)

Next: Five dark horse drivers who could win at Bristol

With 13 races to go this season and three 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?

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