The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is upon us, and with it comes the usual flurry of predictions and prognostications. But this year, The Athletic went straight to the source, anonymously polling 30 garage insiders – drivers, crew chiefs, team owners, and more – to get their unfiltered takes on the season ahead. At the heart of the anonymous poll, the experts deliberated on their favorites to win the Cup Series title, and the majority of choices settled on Joe Gibbs Racing’s #11 talisman, Denny Hamlin.

Despite contenders like Kyle Larson, William Byron, and defending champion Ryan Blaney, the voters gravitated toward Hamlin’s consistent track record and the allure of his first Bill France trophy, marking him as the man to beat in 2024.

The ‘Garage’ Speaks: It’s Denny Hamlin’s Time to Shine

The reasons behind this unanimous vote range from his unwavering competitive spirit, as emphasized by one voter, “He’s executed on a really high level the last couple of years, and you know he’s going to be up there no matter what.” to his consistent presence at the top of the leaderboard over the past few years. Another unnamed personality rightfully stated, “He’s executed on a really high level the last couple of years, and you know he’s going to be up there no matter what.”

Amidst all speculation, one entity succinctly stated, “No way he goes his career without winning at least one (championship).” It’s a sentiment echoed by many, and with the momentum from his Clash win propelling him forward, the 2024 season could very well shape up to be a defining chapter in the Denny Hamlin legacy.

While Hamlin claims the spotlight, the garage also buzzed about the potential ‘dark horses’ and rising stars. Notable mentions include the “Melon Man,” Ross Chastain, who was overlooked despite leading the points for several weeks in the previous season. Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson looms as a major threat, narrowly trailing Hamlin in the vote count. Meanwhile, Joey Logano, hungry for redemption after a lackluster 2023 with Team Penske, charges into the 2024 Daytona 500 as the frontrunner for this year’s season-opener. Hamlin’s JGR teammate, Ty Gibbs, the reigning Rookie of the Year, is also a clear favorite for wins in 2024. His talent, experience, and strong team, are all indicative of success this season.

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JGR Star Reigns Supreme in Toyota Rankings for 2024

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The opinions kept rolling in for The Athletic, and the garage’s excitement for certain races became evident as well. The Daytona 500, a race Hamlin has won 3 times, revered for its unmatched energy, stood out among the favorites. Meanwhile, the return to Bristol’s concrete surface received cheers, contrasting the previous discontent with the dirt track experiment. On the flip side, disdain for Atlanta’s reconfiguration and the unpopular decision to start the playoffs there was also noticeable.

Nevertheless, Denny Hamlin’s dominance extends beyond just garage whispers. Earning him the top spot in the Toyota Racing Power Rankings heading into 2024. He charges into this season with 48 Cup wins for Joe Gibbs Racing since their Toyota switch. He boasts a near-decade-long playoff streak, proving he’s still a force to be reckoned with. JGR, the powerhouse team behind Hamlin’s potential championship run, isn’t just counting on their veteran star, however. Martin Truex Jr, the consistent contender, is also back with a vengeance after a playoff disappointment in 2023. And don’t underestimate Christopher Bell, who’s been knocking on the doors of victory lane for quite a while. With rising talent like Ty Gibbs also in the mix, JGR presents a formidable multi-pronged attack.

The engines roar, and competitors charge onto the Daytona International Speedway on February 18th, setting the stage for a season bursting with thrills, triumphs, and tribulations. Will Denny Hamlin’s climb to the championship continue unabated, or will new challengers emerge to claim their moment of glory?

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