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NASCAR Cup Series: 2018 preseason driver power rankings

By Asher Fair

TALLADEGA, AL - OCTOBER 15: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, lead a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Alabama 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 15, 2017 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, AL - OCTOBER 15: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford, and Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, lead a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Alabama 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 15, 2017 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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HOMESTEAD, FL – NOVEMBER 19: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Toyota (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, FL – NOVEMBER 19: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Toyota (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

Conclusion

After Martin Truex Jr.’s dominant 2017 season in the NASCAR Cup Series during which he won a field-high eight races, there is no reason for anyone else to take his place at the #1 spot in these power rankings. He is the clear favorite to win the championship again in the 2018 season.

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That said, there are plenty of other drivers who are set to have great seasons to the point where they will also be serious championship contenders, as these rankings indicate. Those drivers include Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson, who won five and four races in the 2017 season, respectively.

Chase Elliott should also be a serious contender after he finished in 5th place in the championship standings last season despite the fact that he did not even win a race. Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick are also poised for strong 2018 seasons after qualifying for the Championship 4 in 2017.

Which drivers will emerge as dark horse championship contenders? Ryan Blaney could be poised for another strong year following a round of 8 appearance in his second full-time season, as could Erik Jones after a solid rookie season. Keep an eye on rookie William Byron as well in addition to Alex Bowman, who is replacing fan-favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Next: Top 10 NASCAR drivers of all-time

Will these preseason NASCAR Cup Series driver power rankings seem accurate after the first few races of the season, or will we see a completely unexpected start to the 2018 season? The season is set to begin on Sunday, February 18th with the Daytona 500.

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