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As the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs approach, the two-week Olympic break offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the regular season and predict the four drivers most likely to reach the season finale in Phoenix.
After 22 rounds in the regular season, four drivers have won three or more races, with Kyle Larson leading the pack with four victories. Overall, 12 drivers have made a trip to victory lane this season, indicating how competitive the playoff season will be.
Kyle Larson and veteran driver Denny Hamlin currently lead the betting odds of winning the championship. However, their path to the season finale will not be easy with the rejigged playoff schedule and underdog threats.
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Let's take a look at four drivers, based on mid-season performances, who can navigate the superspeedways, road courses, and intermediate ovals in the playoff stretch to reach the NASCAR Cup season finale.
Top 4 NASCAR drivers favorites to reach the final four
#1 Kyle Larson
The 2021 NASCAR Cup champion, Kyle Larson, is currently the favorite to make it to the season finale. With four victories this season and numerous missed opportunities, the #5 HMS team has consistently been in the mix for victory week in and week out.
Larson needs to carefully navigate the first two rounds of the playoffs, which include races at Atlanta and Talladega. The third round is a homestretch for the #5 Chevy driver, making him the favorite to fight for the championship at Phoenix.
#2 Denny Hamlin
The #11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver, Denny Hamlin, kicked off his 2024 campaign in impressive form, winning three races in quick succession. He has shown race-winning speed since but has been unable to convert that speed into results.
Fortune has eluded Hamlin in the previous two playoff seasons, as he narrowly missed his ticket to the season finale on both occasions. However, the #11 Toyota team has the pedigree to make a run for the season finale and finally win it this year.
#3 Ryan Blaney
The reigning NASCAR Cup champion, Ryan Blaney, has gained momentum in the summer months heading into the playoff season. Leading the Ford contingent, the #12 Penske driver has shown great form on short ovals.
Blaney's 2023 title-winning playoff charge suggests that the team can shift gears and elevate their performance in the playoffs. The reigning champion cannot be discounted, and his stellar record at Phoenix makes him a strong favorite to defend his title.
#4 Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick narrowly edges out the likes of Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, and William Byron for the final playoff spot. Reddick has the momentum and the consistency heading into the playoffs, which the rest of the drivers have not showcased, except for Elliott.
Considering the playoff schedule, which includes two road course races and two intermediate oval races in the third round, Reddick has the perfect opportunity to secure his first Final Four appearance in his NASCAR Cup Series career.
