NASCAR: Way-too-early 2018 Driver Power Rankings
By Asher Fair
#4 through #1
Chip Ganassi Racing, Chevrolet. KYLE LARSON. #4. Kyle Larson was the only driver who really had anything for 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. on a consistent basis throughout the regular season in 2017, and that made him one of the favorites to advance to the Championship 4. However, engine issues in the Round of 12 prevented him from even advancing to the Round of 8. But given his skill, there is no reason that he can’t be a championship contender next season.. No. 42
No. 9. Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet. CHASE ELLIOTT. #3. Even without a single career NASCAR Cup Series victory, Chase Elliott has been strong through his first two seasons in the sport. This past season, he was the only driver in the top 10 in the final standings without a win, and he finished all the way up in 5th place. Once he finally gets the monkey off his back and secures his first career win, he could become a legitimate championship contender.
No. 18. Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota. KYLE BUSCH. #2. Kyle Busch has been in the Championship 4 in each of the last three seasons, and he has shown no signs of slowing down after his third straight top 3 finish in the final standings. Unless he retires, which he seemingly joked about following his heartbreaking 2nd place finish in this year’s’ championship battle, expect him to be a title contender in the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season once again.
#1. After doubling his career NASCAR Cup Series win total for the second consecutive season and winning his first career championship in doing so, Martin Truex Jr. is the best driver in the sport heading into the 2018 season. While that could change, there is no reason for any other driver to be in the #1 spot in these rankings at this point in time.. No. 78. Furniture Row Racing, Toyota. MARTIN TRUEX JR.