The four drivers competing for this year’s NASCAR Cup Series championship all got here in different ways.Kyle Larson’s had a self-described “up-and-down season.” It took Ryan Blaney until May of this year to break a 59-race winless streak, then he won again when it really counted: in the playoffs, including at Martinsville Speedway, the final chance to qualify for the championship race. Christopher Bell is becoming a master of NASCAR’s elimination-style playoff format.
”Ryan BlaneyAge: 29Wins in 2023: 3Championship Four appearances: 1 Championships: N/AFinish at Phoenix in March 2023: 2nd“We didn't necessarily dominate , but we ran really, really good all day,” Blaney told Road Track. “I think having that confidence from running so well the week prior, it's like: ‘Alright, our cars are where they need to be.’ We're obviously going to use what we learned from Phoenix last year, and the spring race this year. It's been a good track for us.