Best NASCAR Drivers: What to Expect for this Year

Who Won the NASCAR Cup Series Last Year?

​In the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, Joey Logano clinched his third championship title with a commanding performance in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. Logano led 107 laps and secured a 1-2 finish for Team Penske, holding off teammate Ryan Blaney by 0.330 seconds. He cashed NASCAR predictions at +1200 on the preseason odds.

Ryan Blaney, Logano’s teammate, had a standout season. Despite an early playoff elimination, Blaney capitalized on a second chance following Alex Bowman’s disqualification. He won the Round of Eight opener in Las Vegas, showcasing his resilience and skill.

William Byron emerged as a formidable competitor, drawing comparisons to Jeff Gordon’s prime years. At 27, Byron became the youngest driver since Gordon to win two consecutive Daytona 500s. His partnership with crew chief Rudy Fugle had been instrumental, though he failed to cash as the driver with the shortest opening odds (+600) to win it all.

An underdog story of the season was Daniel Suárez. He secured his second career Cup Series win at the Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta, finishing a mere 0.003 seconds ahead of Ryan Blaney. This victory marked the fourth-closest finish in Cup Series history and was a big upset on the NASCAR odds.

Which NASCAR Driver Could Win the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series?

Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell now enter the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship as co-favorites at +350, and both have the résumé to back it up. Larson, the 2021 champ, remains one of the most brilliant NASCAR drivers, with a mix of aggression and control that makes him a constant favorite in NASCAR odds.

Bell has emerged as Joe Gibbs Racing’s go-to playoff performer, consistently delivering under pressure. Ryan Blaney, the 2023 champ, sits at +800 and continues to thrive in big moments for Team Penske.

Right behind him are Denny Hamlin and William Byron at +650, each with compelling narratives—Hamlin chasing his elusive first title and Byron showing early-season brilliance with three wins in the first eight races last year.

Further down the board, Joey Logano (+1200) and Tyler Reddick (+1000) offer solid value in NASCAR predictions, with Logano’s championship pedigree and Reddick’s breakout potential on intermediate tracks.

Who Is the Greatest NASCAR Driver in History?

It’s hard to pick just one when talking about the greatest NASCAR driver in history. However, the shortlist includes Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson. Today’s greats, like Joey Logano and Kyle Larson, are worth discussing. They all brought something different—championships, star power, and cultural impact.

Jimmie Johnson stands tall with seven Cup Series titles, tying Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. His dominance from 2006 to 2010 was unprecedented. Johnson wasn’t flashy, but he was unstoppable. His calculated style, mental focus, and sheer consistency put him at the top of the all-time conversation. He’s also expanded his brand into team ownership and open-wheel racing, making him more than just a NASCAR icon.

Jeff Gordon, on the other hand, transformed the sport. Akin to Michael Jordan in the NBA or Wayne Gretzky in the NHL, he made his sport mainstream in the ’90s and early 2000s. Gordon’s mix of talent, polish, and business smarts helped land massive sponsors and bring in a new generation of fans. He racked up four championships and drove NASCAR breaking news and rumors like he owned them.

Dale Earnhardt has the same Cup Series titles as Johnson and Petty. But it was how he won that made him a legend. He bullied his way to the front, raced with unmatched aggression, and struck fear into rivals on superspeedways and short tracks alike. His 1998 Daytona 500 win remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history, not just racing. Fans and crews lined the pit road to salute him as he finally captured the elusive trophy.

Among active stars, Joey Logano is already a two-time champion with a ruthless competitive edge. And Kyle Larson—arguably the most versatile driver today—can win in anything with four wheels. Both are reshaping what it means to be elite in today’s NASCAR landscape.

If you’re diving into NASCAR odds or ready to bet on NASCAR online, understanding these drivers’ legacies gives you the edge.

Who is the Richest NASCAR Driver Ever?

The most affluent NASCAR drivers of all time include a pair of all-time greats and the son of another legend. They stand out for their success and for turning horsepower into cold, hard cash. These icons didn’t just do it on the concrete and the bank.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., or just “Junior,” is the highest-paid driver in NASCAR history. With an estimated net worth of $300+ million, he turned his father’s legacy into a personal brand empire. He scored big endorsement deals with Mountain Dew, Budweiser, and Nationwide, and post-retirement, he’s been killing it in media through NBC and his Dirty Mo Media network. When you’re making NASCAR picks, Earnhardt’s influence still looms large over today’s field.

Gordon got paid handsomely for making NASCAR cool in the 1990s. His clean-cut image helped land long-term sponsors like DuPont and Pepsi, and his driving style made him a perennial winner. Today, he’s an executive at Hendrick Motorsports and owns part of the team. His estimated net worth hovers around $200 million, and his legacy still drives fan engagement and NASCAR odds.

Johnson was not flashy and did not have the charismatic prowess of Gordon or Petty, but his consistency at winning made him a mainstay. It doesn’t hurt to be backed by powerhouse sponsors like Lowe’s. Now dabbling in team ownership and IndyCar, his estimated wealth is around $160 million.

These NASCAR drivers have proven that the checkered flag isn’t the only finish line—wealth, legacy, and influence are just as powerful.