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.
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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.
Good parity in the field this year, also I wonder how many fewer lap races we have now vs then
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
There is Martinsville and Phoenix left so it is possible for it to happen as I say Elliott has the best chance
Chase is going to dominate one of the final races and get to 1000
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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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MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – APRIL 07: Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 Hellmann’s Fridge Hunters Chevrolet, looks on during practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville Speedway on April 07, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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.