Darlington NASCAR Power Rankings: Breaking Down the Top 12 Cup Drivers for the Goodyear 400

1. William Byron (#24 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)

William Byron’s been the model of consistency this season, and that’s what has kept him planted at the top of the standings with 259 points. He’s got the clean, composed driving style that Darlington rewards, and let’s not forget his strong run here in 2023 where he grabbed the win. The No. 24 team has been firing on all cylinders, and with momentum on his side, Byron is shaping up as a real threat to park it in Victory Lane again.

2. Kyle Larson (#5 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)

Kyle Larson is always on the attack, and Darlington just seems to suit his no-fear, high-line driving style perfectly. He’s come so close to winning here in the past, and after a solid performance stretch, you get the feeling he’s due. He has the best odds for a reason, and if he can avoid trouble and manage tire wear, this could be his weekend to finally conquer The Lady in Black.

3. Chase Elliott (#9 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)

Chase Elliott has been knocking on the door of greatness all season long. He’s third in points thanks to a series of solid, top-10 finishes, and while Darlington hasn’t always been his best track, he’s matured a lot as a driver. Look for him to run a clean race, stay in the mix, and possibly steal a win if chaos erupts late. He’s got the patience, and that’s key here.

4. Christopher Bell (#20 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing)

Christopher Bell has quietly become one of the most dangerous drivers in the field. He’s got multiple top-five finishes under his belt this season, and while he doesn’t have a Cup win at Darlington yet, he’s shown speed and adaptability on these tougher tracks. If his team hits the setup right, Bell could be contending in the final laps.

5. Alex Bowman (#48 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)

Alex Bowman’s strength this year has been his consistency—he’s quietly stacking top-10s and keeping himself relevant in the standings. He’s not typically the flashiest guy on the track, but at a place like Darlington, that calm demeanor can pay off. He’ll need a strong qualifying effort to avoid the mid-pack mess, but don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the top five.

6. Denny Hamlin (#11 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing)

This is Denny Hamlin’s playground. He’s a four-time winner at Darlington and just grabbed a win at Martinsville.

• Confidence? Check.
• Speed? Check.
• Experience? Check.

Denny knows every inch of this track and how to save his equipment better than just about anyone. He’s got all the tools and a team that knows how to execute. Expect him to be a factor all day.

7. Tyler Reddick (#45 Toyota – 23XI Racing)

Tyler Reddick nearly pulled off a win at Darlington last spring, leading 174 laps before a late-race shuffle knocked him back. That kind of performance can’t be ignored. He’s got a wild-but-controlled style that makes him a blast to watch here, and he’s my locked-in driver for the season for a reason. If he stays out of trouble, a win is definitely in play.

8. Bubba Wallace (#23 Toyota – 23XI Racing)

Bubba Wallace is having a really solid year—racking up stage points and running smart races. Darlington’s a track where patience and tire management matter, and he’s getting better at both. While not a traditional favorite here, the speed from 23XI Racing could help elevate him to a surprise top-10 finish or better.

9. Joey Logano (#22 Ford – Team Penske)

It hasn’t been Joey Logano’s strongest season to date, but he’s still hanging inside the top 10 in points. Darlington hasn’t always been his best track, but Logano’s a veteran who knows how to survive tough conditions. He’s one of those guys who can suddenly find himself in contention late in the race if the right strategy call is made.

10. Ryan Blaney (#12 Ford – Team Penske)

Ryan Blaney’s another Penske guy trying to find that early-season magic again. He’s a talented driver, no doubt, but Darlington has been more of a learning experience than a highlight reel for him. That said, with the right pit strategy and clean air, he has the skills to stay competitive.

11. Chris Buescher (#17 Ford – RFK Racing)

Chris Buescher doesn’t always get the spotlight, but he’s been a tire whisperer this year—something that’s huge at Darlington. This track punishes aggressive driving, and Chris’s ability to keep his car in one piece could lead to a quietly solid result. He’s a top-10 sleeper candidate.

12. Chase Briscoe (#14 Ford – Stewart-Haas Racing)

Chase Briscoe has been putting in the work and is just inside the top 12. He’s gritty and aggressive—two things you’ll need to battle at Darlington. His performance here in the past has been decent, and he’s got a chip on his shoulder to prove SHR is still in the game. One or two breaks his way, and he could be right there at the end.