Well, I released my NASCAR season predictions earlier this week. So now let’s take a more critical look at the season itself. Especially as it pertains to drivers with something to prove in 2024. There are lots of drivers who had rough 2023 seasons, drivers who are underperforming in top-tier equipment, and drivers who are being outshined by their teammates. Also, drivers who can take their name to the next level with a good season. Let’s take a look at five of them, in five very different situations. And let’s take a look at what 2024 could mean for them.
#4 Josh Berry
Embed from Getty ImagesJosh Berry had an odd set of circumstances in 2023. He took over some top-tier rides at Hendrick Motorsport thanks in part to the injuries sustained by Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman. In the #9 and the #48, Berry had one top-five finish, one two more in the top 10, but was largely irrelevant for most of his time in the cup series. Now he aims to take over the vacant ride of the #4 car, filling the shoes of all-time great Kevin Harvick. Stewart-Haas was quick to claim him last season when they searched for drivers. They have confidence in the 33-year-old. But the pressure is immediately on to produce results.
#17 Chris Buescher
Embed from Getty ImagesYou guys remember Linsanity, right? If you missed it, go take a look at former New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin’s 2011-12 season. He went from the hottest player in the NBA to just a league-average player the rest of his career. Buescher is at risk of having the NASCAR equivalent of Linsanity. He capped off 2023 with a hot streak of three wins. All in the late summer races of Richmond, Michigan, and Daytona. He even outdid team owner and teammate Brad Keselowski by making the round of 8 in the NASCAR playoffs. He had a great year and opened a lot of eyes. The big question is now about carrying that momentum into 2024.
#48 Alex Bowman
Embed from Getty ImagesAlex Bowman is the biggest mystery in all of NASCAR. He’s shown in 2021 and 2022 the ability to be a good driver. In 2023 he was leading in points until breaking his back. Then when he came back, the wheels fell off, and never came back. Now, every off-season, fans are theorizing how to get Bowman out of the #48 car. Replacing him with drivers matching or outdoing Bowman in worse equipment. The 30-year-old Arizona native is going to have to find his groove, early and often, to end the narratives surrounding him. That compacted with a deep playoff run would be beneficial for him. We’ll see what he does.
#54 Ty Gibbs
Embed from Getty ImagesI have high expectations for Gibbs in the #54 this year. I think he hit victory lane multiple times this year. But that doesn’t mean there’s no pressure. He’s safe in that ride, being the grandson of Joe Gibbs. But the fans will begin to doubt his status as a serious driver at the Cup Series level if we don’t start seeing results. Let’s see what you can do, Gibbs.
#99 Daniel Suarez
Embed from Getty ImagesRoss Chastain has arrived, winning multiple races and he’s a star. Shane Van Gisbergen is on the way and will be hitting the Cup Series occasionally this year. Trackhouse Racing has a lot going on for it. Where does Daniel Suarez fit into all of this? He doesn’t do a whole lot of noteworthy things. Now and again he’s right on the top-16 bubble, he might squeak a top-five finish a couple of times a season. But he’s largely just been there. Suarez’s 2023 highlight was being runner-up at the second Atlanta race, and getting into it with Bowman at Darlington. Suarez has to make some noise if he wants to be relevant amongst Chastain and SVG.
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