NASCAR: 5 drivers who will make huge improvements in 2024
By Asher Fair
Quite a few drivers did not have the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series seasons they would have liked to have and will be eyeing significant improvements in 2024.
For some, improvements simply mean a much steadier 2024 campaign. For others, they will look to up their game and make playoffs runs. And for others, anything shy of a Championship 4 appearance will be viewed as a major disappointment.
Here are five drivers in the best position to improve throughout the upcoming season.
1. Erik Jones
Erik Jones had a relatively low-key disappointing season in 2023 following a promising 2022 campaign that had him on the radar of many as a potential playoff dark horse.
Jones won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway -- for a second time -- in 2022, and while he did not do so as a playoff driver, he actually did finish the regular season in the top 16 in the point standings, blowing then-teammate Ty Dillon completely out of the water.
The rebranded (from Petty GMS Motorsports) Legacy Motor Club team took a step back in 2023, but Jones still performed well better than teammate Noah Gragson -- even with a 27th place finish in the point standings.
But in 2024, Legacy Motor Club are no longer one of eight Chevrolet teams; they are one of three Toyota teams, a switch that should help them take a big step forward and give Jones the opportunity to shine once again.