Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch pick NASCAR's "aged like fine wine" drivers

Former Cup Series champions Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, and more were recently asked which NASCAR drivers have "aged like fine wine." The question was raised in honor of National Red Wine Day back on August 28.

In an Instagram post by Sonoma Raceway, a track where a glass of wine is awarded to the winner, multiple drivers were asked the question. With little hesistation, Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup champion and 19-time race winner, said:

"Truex."

Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and 63-time race winner, also believes the 2017 Cup champion has improved with age.

"I give Truex the nod. He's probably one of the older guys, but him and I have been around for a long time."

While the two Chevrolet drivers shared the same opinion, other drivers had differing views. Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion and co-owner of 23XI Racing, gave his vote to Denny Hamlin.

"Somehow he looks younger and thinner now than he did when he was a rookie. I haven't figured that out."

Bubba Wallace, two-time Cup Series race winner, acknowledged 2021 Cup champion Kyle Larson as the one who's "aged like fine wine" over his 12-year career.

"I'll give him that trait. He came into the Cup scene looking a little. ... I don't even know how to describe it."

Joey Logano, two-time Cup Series champion, likes to think that if they're talking strictly about racing careers, his has aged well over the years.

"If we're not talking looks, I'd like to think I'm getting to be a better driver these days."

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Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch's 2024 seasons to this point

It's been a story of contrasting seasons for the two former champions. After going winless last year and missing multiple races due to a broken leg, Chase Elliott has bounced back this season, earning a win at Texas Motor Speedway in April to secure a spot in the playoffs.

The Georgia native has posted seven top-fives and sits eighth in the playoff standings, 24 points above the cut-line with two races remaining in the Round of 16.

For Kyle Busch, he failed to make the playoffs this season for the first time since 2012. The Las Vegas native sits 20th in the standings, having recorded five top-fives, a pole, and a stage win through 27 races.

Despite that, Kyle Busch has found momentum in recent weeks as he's strung together four straight top-five finishes, including runner-up efforts at Daytona and Darlington. Amid his 20th full-time Cup season, Busch has never finished a year without at least one win, and he has eight more chances to find victory lane this season.