Motorsports fans all over the world eagerly await the crowning of a new NASCAR champion every year. The adrenaline-fueled races, skilled drivers, and intense rivalries make for an exciting season that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. As the 2021 NASCAR season comes to a close, it’s time to take a closer look at the top contenders for this year’s championship title.
Overview of NASCAR Championship Contenders
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is the premier governing body for professional stock car racing in the United States. Founded in 1948, NASCAR has expanded to include various racing series, but the NASCAR Cup Series remains the most prestigious and competitive.
The NASCAR Cup Series consists of 36 races held at different tracks across the country, with each race being approximately 500 miles long. Points are awarded based on a driver’s finishing position, with the winner receiving 40 points and the last place finisher getting 1 point. These points accumulate throughout the season, with the ultimate goal being to earn enough points to qualify for the playoffs and compete for the championship.
For the 2021 season, there are 16 drivers who have qualified for the playoffs based on their performance throughout the year. These 16 drivers are considered the top contenders for the NASCAR championship. Let’s take a closer look at each driver and their chances of winning it all.
Profile of Each Driver in the Running
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has been a consistent top performer in the Cup Series for over a decade. This year, he has earned four wins and 14 top-five finishes, placing him as the current points leader heading into the playoffs. However, Hamlin has yet to win a championship in his career despite coming close multiple times. With his strong track record and current standings, he is definitely a top contender for the 2021 championship.
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson is having a breakout season in 2021. After being suspended for using a racial slur in a virtual race last year, Larson has come back with a vengeance and proved himself to be one of the best drivers in the series. He has won five races and has the most stage wins and playoff points, giving him a significant advantage heading into the playoffs. With his undeniable talent and drive to redeem himself, Larson is definitely a force to be reckoned with this year.
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 NASCAR champion, has had a solid season so far with three wins and consistent top-10 finishes. He is known for his skill on intermediate tracks, which make up a majority of the playoff races. Truex also has a strong team behind him, giving him the support he needs to contend for the championship once again.
Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch is no stranger to the playoffs, having made it every year since its inception in 2004. This year, he has two wins and 11 top-five finishes, showing that he is still a top competitor. However, Busch has been plagued by bad luck and inconsistency this season, which may hinder his chances at winning another championship.
Chase Elliott
As the defending champion, Chase Elliott is looking to become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2009 to win back-to-back championships. He has two wins this season, but has not been as dominant as he was last year. However, Elliott is known for his skill on road courses, which will be an important factor in the playoffs. With his determination and previous success, he cannot be counted out as a potential champion once again.
Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney has been consistently improving over the years and has become a top competitor in the Cup Series. He has three wins this year, including a thrilling win at the inaugural Bristol dirt race. Blaney’s performance on different types of tracks and his strong team make him a dark horse contender for the championship.
Joey Logano
Joey Logano, the 2018 NASCAR champion, has been consistent this season with two wins and multiple top-10 finishes. However, he has not been able to match the success of his teammates on the same team, which could be a disadvantage in the playoffs. Logano will need to step up his game if he wants to contend for another championship.
William Byron
William Byron, one of the youngest drivers in the Cup Series, has had a breakout season in 2021. He earned his first career win earlier this year and has consistently finished in the top 10. However, this is Byron’s first time in the playoffs and the pressure may affect his performance. Regardless, he has proven himself to be a strong contender and should not be underestimated.
Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman, another young driver for Hendrick Motorsports, has also made it into the playoffs for the first time in his career. He has won two races this season and has shown consistency throughout the year. With strong equipment and support from his team, Bowman has the potential to surprise everyone and win the championship.
Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch, the older brother of Kyle Busch, has been a consistent performer in the Cup Series for many years. He has one win this season and has shown that he can still compete with the younger drivers. However, Busch’s performance has been up and down this year, making it uncertain if he can make a run for the championship.
Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell is the surprise of the season, winning the iconic Daytona 500 earlier this year. This is his first time making it into the playoffs, and while he has not had a strong season overall, his win at Daytona proves that anything can happen in NASCAR. McDowell may be an underdog, but he cannot be underestimated.
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski is another former champion in the running for the 2021 championship. He has one win and consistent top-10 finishes this year, putting him in a good position heading into the playoffs. However, Keselowski’s team will be switching to a different manufacturer next season, which may affect their performance during the playoffs.
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell is another young driver who has earned his spot in the playoffs for the first time this year. He has one win and has shown potential throughout the season. While he may not have the experience of other drivers, Bell’s talent and determination could make him a dark horse contender for the championship.
Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR champion, has been consistently successful in the Cup Series for many years. However, this year has been a struggle for Harvick and his team, with only one win and inconsistency on the track. While he has made it into the playoffs, it will be a challenge for Harvick to turn his season around and compete for another championship.
Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick, another young driver, has also made it into the playoffs for the first time this year. He has not yet won a race, but has shown consistent improvement throughout the season. Reddick’s talent and determination could make him a surprise contender for the championship.
Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola rounds out the 16 playoff drivers, making it in by a slim margin due to his consistency in the regular season. However, Almirola has yet to win a race this year and has struggled with inconsistency. While he may be the underdog, Almirola has proven that he can compete with the best and could surprise everyone in the playoffs.
Analysis of Their Performance and Chances of Winning
With 16 drivers in the running for the championship, it’s clear that anything can happen during the playoffs. However, based on their performance throughout the season, some drivers have a better chance than others at winning it all.
Denny Hamlin is undoubtedly the favorite heading into the playoffs, with his strong track record this year and past experience in the championship fight. Kyle Larson also has a high chance of winning, as he has been dominant throughout the season and has the most playoff points. Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch cannot be counted out either, as they both have the talent and support from their teams to make a run for the championship.
Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney are also strong contenders, with their previous success and consistent performance this year. However, they will need to step up their game if they want to beat out the other top drivers. Joey Logano is another former champion who should not be overlooked, but his inconsistent performance this year may hinder his chances.
The younger drivers such as William Byron, Alex Bowman, and Christopher Bell have surprised many this season with their performances and could potentially upset the more experienced drivers. However, their lack of playoff experience could work against them. Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski also have a chance at the championship, but their teams’ upcoming manufacturer change may affect their performance.
Michael McDowell and Tyler Reddick are the biggest underdogs in the playoffs, but they have proven that they can compete with the best and should not be underestimated. Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola have struggled this season and will need to turn things around if they want to have a shot at the championship.
Overall, the top contenders for the 2021 NASCAR championship all have a chance at winning, making it one of the most unpredictable playoffs in recent years.
Interviews with Drivers or Team Members
To get a better understanding of the top contenders’ mindset heading into the playoffs, let’s take a look at some interviews with drivers and team members.
When asked about his chances at winning the championship this year, Denny Hamlin stated, “I feel confident in our team and our performance this season. We’ve been consistent and have shown that we have what it takes to compete for the title. I’m determined to finally win my first championship this year.”
Kyle Larson, who has been dominant this season, said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back racing in the Cup Series and to have a shot at the championship. I’ve learned a lot from last year’s incident and have grown as a person and a driver. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish in the playoffs.”
Martin Truex Jr. expressed his confidence in his team, saying, “We’ve had a solid season so far, and I know we have what it takes to compete for another championship. Our team is determined and has been working hard to prepare for the playoffs. I believe we have a good shot at winning it all again this year.”
Young driver William Byron shared his excitement about making it into the playoffs for the first time, saying, “This is a dream come true for me. It’s been a goal of mine to make it into the playoffs, and now that I have, I want to make the most of it. I know it will be challenging, but I’m ready for the opportunity to compete for a championship.”
Aric Almirola, who made it into the playoffs by a slim margin, stated, “It’s been a tough season for us, but I’m grateful to have made it into the playoffs. We’re going to give it our all and see where it takes us. Anything can happen in the playoffs, and we’re not backing down.”
Predictions for the Championship Outcome
While it’s impossible to predict the exact outcome of the 2021 NASCAR championship, based on each driver’s performance and chances, here are some predictions for how the playoffs may play out.
It’s likely that Denny Hamlin will make it to the final round of the playoffs, as he has been consistent throughout the season and has a strong track record. He may face off against Kyle Larson, who has been dominant this year and has the most playoff points. Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch, and Chase Elliott could also potentially make it to the final round, making for an exciting finale race.
However, there is always the possibility of an underdog upsetting the top drivers and making it to the final round. Drivers like Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Christopher Bell, or even Michael McDowell could surprise everyone and make it to the final round.
In the end, it’s anyone’s game, and the championship will ultimately come down to who can perform the best under pressure and have luck on their side. Fans can expect an intense and unpredictable playoff season as the top contenders battle it out for the coveted NASCAR championship title.
Conclusion
The 2021 NASCAR season has been an exciting one so far, with multiple drivers showcasing their talent and earning their spot in the playoffs. The 16 top contenders for the championship all have their reasons for why they deserve to win, making it impossible to predict the outcome.
As the playoffs kick off, fans can expect intense races filled with rivalries, drama, and surprises. While some drivers may have a better chance based on their performance and experience, anything can happen in the playoffs, and the underdogs may just surprise everyone. Ultimately, it will come down to who can perform the best under pressure and make it to the final round.
Who will be crowned the 2021 NASCAR champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – it’s going to be an exhilarating and unforgettable ride.
