2024 NASCAR Predictions: Playoff drivers, Championship 4

As we enter the start of the offseason, it is never too early to look ahead to the 2024 NASCAR season and make some predictions. Today, we’re looking at possible playoff drivers and the Championship 4. There is going to be a lot of change for next year, but it should be an exciting season.

Ten drivers that won in 2022 didn’t win in 2023. A lot of one-race winners can come and go between different seasons. Ford is bringing out a new Dark Horse Mustang for 2024. New drivers, drivers returning to the Cup Series – there are a lot of moving parts and pieces here.

Ryan Blaney came away with the championship. He is the man at the top of the standings at the end of the year. He’ll be looking for another title in less than 12 months.

When it comes to the NASCAR Playoffs, I think there are a handful of drivers that are guaranteed to make it. Let’s get into the 16 drivers I think will race for a championship in less than a year.

NASCAR Playoff Drivers for 2024

The Hendrick Motorsports crew is a given. In fact, I think Larson, Byron, and Elliott will combine for 12+ wins next year. Team Penske is going to get two cars in. Joe Gibbs Racing will have all four drivers.

I truly believe Ty Gibbs gets a win, possibly on a road course, and gets to his first playoffs. Trackhouse Racing will get both Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez into the postseason again. And, I think Stewart-Haas will bounce back in the post-Harvick era.

With the new car, I think Ford will take a step up. It also appeared Ford teams were figuring things out at the end of this NASCAR season. Josh Berry will be the only rookie in the playoffs with consistent, even-handed driving.

Tyler Reddick, I believe, is going to do very well on these intermediate tracks in 2024. I think he’s poised for a big season in his second year with 23XI Racing. I also believe Bubba Wallace will make it with a win at one of these intermediate tracks. He needs to start the NASCAR season off better than he did this season, though.

Championship 4 Predictions

As far as the Championship 4 goes, I think we’re going to see some familiar faces. This year, we had the youngest Championship 4 ever. So, are we going to get another round of young drivers? I’m not convinced. There are still some wily veterans in the Cup Series.

I do believe Kyle Larson goes back to the Championship 4. I also think we will see William Byron return to the Championship 4 after his six-win season in 2023.

In 2024, I believe we will see Denny Hamlin make another Championship 4 appearance. That fourth driver is hard to pin down, though. It could be Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch – you get it.

When it comes down to it, I think Larson, Byron, Hamlin and Tyler Reddick make the Championship 4. I see the Round of 8 being much better for Reddick in 2024. 23XI Racing will get its first championship appearance, and it will be a hell of a race in Phoenix.

A year from now, when we’re looking forward to 2025, I think it’s going to be Kyle Larson with the Bill France Cup for his second championship. I know, not creative, but sometimes, it doesn’t have to be.