This season has been pretty even in NASCAR, certainly when it comes to the subject of dominance. In fact, it has been that way so much so that a recent stat emerged, which proved that 2022 has seen what hasn’t been for over half a century, with the only exception coming two decades ago with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The stat in question is of laps led. To be more precise, it’s of drivers who have led over 1,000 laps in a season.

So far this season, no drivers have reached that number including defending Cup Series champion Kyle Larson who failed to even make the top five. The last time this was the case?

1960.

The closest equivalent to the current season can be traced back to 2002 when Dale Jr. was the only driver who led over 1,000 laps.

This stat incited a variety of reactions from NASCAR fans.

Some of them brought their wit and claimed it is so because of the constant tire issues this year, while some remained hopeful that Chase Elliott would reach that number considering the tracks up next.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr’s elimination picks from the current round of the playoffs

The playoffs this season have been unexpected, to say the least. So far no playoff-qualified driver has won a race and in the first round itself, two of the biggest title contenders, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick were out.

However, when it comes to the drivers who Dale Earnhardt Jr. thinks would be eliminated in this round, there are no names that would necessarily raise any eyebrows.

According to the NASCAR Hall of Famer, the four drivers who will see their title candidacy come to an end will be Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, and Chase Briscoe.

With that said, do you agree with Junior’s predictions or do you have other upsets on your cards?

Let us know in the comments below.

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