Dale Earnhardt Jr Spots Absurd Chase Elliott Stat That Proves Hendrick Teammate Kyle Larson’s Sub-Par Season

Published 09/27/2022, 5:20 AM EDT

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?

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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.

Crazy @NASCAR stat I found today. So far through 2022, there is not a single driver who has led 1,000 laps.
The last time there was a season without a 1,000 laps led leader was 1960.
The closest it’s been since was 2002, when @DaleJr was the only one with 1068 laps led. pic.twitter.com/bhdEiqxIej
— Zach Darrow (@realZachDarrow) September 26, 2022

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.

That's because if you're leading you blow a tire
— Sharpshooter317 (@_MarkGregg) September 26, 2022

Good parity in the field this year, also I wonder how many fewer lap races we have now vs then
— Alex Pawlowski (@apawlows) September 26, 2022

It’s not really that surprising. Every time a driver leads he blows a tire. It’s hard to lead a lot of laps when you know you’re gonna hit the wall soon
— Tommy Garland (@mustangbuc85) September 27, 2022

Roval and Martinsville might help Chase Elliott get there.
— Julian Spivey (@julianspivey44) September 26, 2022

There is Martinsville and Phoenix left so it is possible for it to happen as I say Elliott has the best chance
— Coltmarcel18 (@coltmarcel18) September 26, 2022

Chase is going to dominate one of the final races and get to 1000
— Josh (@Josh07645770) September 27, 2022

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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.

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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?

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Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Shaharyar is a NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Journalism from Amity University, he has been a passionate follower of motorsports for a better part of the decade. While Kyle Busch is always his first pick, he also considers Kyle Larson a legend in the making.

Edited by:

Nizamul Haque Bhuyan