5 underwhelming drivers of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series feat. Kyle Busch

The 2024 NASCAR season was full of disappointments for drivers like Kyle Busch, Eric Jones, and Austin Dillon. These drivers didn't meet the marks set by their past performances, or when comparing them to their teammates.

However, looking at the other side of the spectrum, 2024 unfolded with Ryan Blaney going into the season as the defending champion. Joey Logano and Team Penske, like in recent years, started the season slow but won the crucial races. Putting in clutch performances when it mattered eventually won Logano the championship.

Let's dive in and take a look at the 5 most underwhelming drivers from the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series.

#5 Erik Jones

Erik Jones’ team Legacy Motor Club (formerly Petty GMS Motorsports) is still a relatively new venture for the owners Jimmie Johnson and Matt Gallagher after Richard Petty sold his shares. LMC struggled to find any sort of performance in the Toyota against the competition. The team itself had a lackluster season but none of its drivers stood out either.

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race - Qualifying - Source: Getty

Erik Jones started the season strong with a P8 finish at the Daytona 500 driving the #43 Toyota. However, it went downhill for him from there as he only managed to finish in the Top 10 once throughout the campaign after the season opener.

Jones finished P5 at the 2024 YellaWood 500, but it was already too late by then since he didn't make the playoffs and could only manage a 28th-place finish in the championship standings. His 18 finishes outside the Top 20 clearly stated how far behind he was from the rest of the pack.

#4 John Hunter Nemechek

John Hunter Nemechek during practice for the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. - Source: Imagn

John Hunter Nemechek was in the same boat as Erik Jones when it came to the struggles with the Legacy Motor Club Toyota. Nemechek had four Top 10 finishes, which is better than his teammates, and the 27-year-old showed glimpses of his talent. However, he was dead last in the points standings amongst the full-time drivers.

#3 Corey LaJoie

Corey LaJoie during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway - Source: Imagn

Corey LaJoie finished the 2024 Cup Championship in 33rd position, one better than John Hunter Nemechek. It was his worst championship result since he started driving full-time in the Cup series, as he managed just one Top 5 finish and three Top 10 finishes.

LaJoie lost his drive with Spire Motorsports midway through the 2024 season and found a seat at Rick Ware Racing. However, he is currently without a seat for the upcoming season.

#2 Austin Dillon

Austin Dillon during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Source: Imagn

Richard Childress Racing, much like LMC, had a year to forget. Austin Dillon, the #3 RCR driver finished the season 32nd in the championship. It was statistically the worst season of his 11-year full-time Cup Series career with just four Top 10 finishes and a win.

Austin was unfortunately handed a 25-point penalty for the crash with Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap at Richmond, the only race he won during the season.

#1 Kyle Busch

2024 was easily Kyle Busch's worst season during his full-time Cup Series career. The two-time champion with over two decades of experience could only manage 20th in the championship, his joint-lowest finish alongside his debut full-time season in 2005. Kyle Busch also failed to qualify for the playoffs as it was the first-ever full-time season where he went winless.