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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
6 NASCAR Prospects Who Could be Future Stars in the Cup Series
The NASCAR Cup Series is led by some of the best drivers in racing, such as William Byron, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott, and Christopher Bell. While they'll be the faces of the sport for years to come, the next wave of NASCAR prospects could eventually take the places of Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Kyle Busch. Fortunately, fans have already seen glimpses of the next wave of talent coming to the Cup Series, thanks to appearances at the highest level from Connor Zilisch and Corey Heim. They are the headliners of the new era of NASCAR prospects who will be battling for wins in the years to come. Corey Heim, Truck Series There isn't a single driver in NASCAR dominating his level right now more than Corey Heim. Heim's five wins are more than double the total of the next-closest driver (Chandler Smith), and his win total could be even higher if not for incidents where competitors wrecked him or he suffered engine failures. In 2025, Heim has led 986 laps through 15 races—more than the combined laps led by the next eight closest drivers (978). He's already 10th in all-time Truck Series wins (16), despite having just 79 starts at this level. 23XI Racing, Heim's development team, has already given him several runs in the Cup Series to help him acclimate to the Next Gen car. He is certainly talented enough to thrive in the Xfinity Series, but that level is often more about sponsorships and financial backing than driver ability. Heim is likely to become a full-time driver with 23XI Racing in 2027, when he will be the favorite for Rookie of the Year. Corey Heim stats (): 690 points, 5 wins, 11 top 10s, 9 top ts, 3 poles, 988 laps led, 5.4 average starting position, 7.4 average finishing position in 15 races Related: Jesse Love, Xfinity Series Driving for Richard Childress Racing in the Xfinity Series, 20-year-old Jesse Love is demonstrating this season why he is one of the top NASCAR prospects. Already an ARCA champion and the reigning Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year, Love has been a top-five driver this season. He earned his first taste of the Cup Series level this year, although he finished at the back of the field. What's most important is his improved consistency in Xfinity, where he's tied for the most top-10 finishes (12). He's likely still two years away from becoming a regular in the Cup Series, but Love is proving he'll have earned that opportunity when it arrives, and there should be a few more Cup races on his docket in 2026. Jesse Love stats (): 582 points, 1 win, 12 top 1s, 4 top 5s, 2 poles, 2 DNFs, 170 laps led, 8.632 average starting position, 12.111 average finishing position in 19 races Related: Connor Zilisch, Xfinity Series If you can go toe-to-toe with Shane van Gisbergen on a road course twice, beating him once, you clearly have a future in the NASCAR Cup Series. At just 18 years old, Connor Zilisch is one of the youngest drivers in the sport, and he's already making history. In 2025, he became the youngest driver to win five poles in the Xfinity Series (18 years, 10 months, and 23 days), and he's one of the youngest ever to run multiple races in the Cup Series. This year in Xfinity, Zilisch has the third-most top-five finishes (eight) and the second-most laps led (329) among full-time drivers. He'll become a full-time Cup Series driver next season for Trackhouse Racing, replacing Daniel Suárez, and is already the odds-on favorite for Rookie of the Year—all before he turns 20. Connor Zilisch stats (): 617 points, 3 wins, 10 top-10s, 8 top-5s, 4 poles, 329 laps led, 7.667 average starting position, 11.222 average finishing position in 18 races Layne Riggs, Truck Series Corey Heim is in a class by himself in the Truck Series, but fellow driver Layne Riggs is certainly establishing himself as one of the top rising NASCAR prospects in 2025. The 23-year-old earned Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors last season after a strong finish to the year, winning in both August and September, along with a second-place finish at Kansas. He has followed that up in his second season by recording the fourth-most top-five finishes (six) and posting the fifth-best average finishing position (10.7). Racing regularly against Heim is beneficial for Riggs' development, allowing him to improve against a Cup-caliber driver. Once Heim moves up, Riggs could become the best driver at the Truck level, with a full-time spot in the Cup Series becoming a possibility a few years later. Layne Riggs stats (): 525 points, 1 win, 8 top 10s, 6 top 5s, 1 pole, 103 laps led, 11.6 average starting position, 10.667 average finishing position in 15 races Related: Carson Kvapil, Xfinity Series It's easy for Carson Kvapil to get a bit overshadowed in the Xfinity Series with Justin Allgaier, Connor Zilisch, and Austin Hill dominating, while others like Jesse Love and Christian Eckes are on the radar for future spots in the Cup Series. However, Kvapil is still getting noticed. That's proven by the fact that Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic stated earlier this season that big teams are high on Kvapil, especially when it comes to his ability to manage races. While the 22-year-old still hasn't won a race in the Xfinity Series, he's delivered four top-five finishes and 10 top-10s in 17 races this season. He's demonstrated that he's ready to be a development driver for a top team as soon as next year, perhaps even with Team Penske. Carson Kvapil stats (Xfinity Series): 554 points, 8 top 10s, 4 top 5s, 72 laps led, 11.6 average starting position, 13.6 average finishing position in 19 races Christian Eckes, Xfinity Series Rounding out our list for some of the top NASCAR prospects to watch is Christian Eckes. The 24-year-old is a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series for the first time this season, driving the No. 16 car for Kaulig Racing. While the results haven't been phenomenal so far, he recorded a pair of top-five finishes this summer. Eckes knew there would be an adjustment period to this level and this season has demonstrated why he's a few years from reaching the Cup Series. Christian Eckes (): 399 points, 7 top 10s, 3 top 5s, 26 laps led, 16.474 average starting position, 18.947 average finishing position Related Headlines 'Can't Just Trade Everybody': Phillies Owner John Middleton Opens Up About Deadline Approach 'All-Time Low': Pirates Reporter Reveals Why Bryan Reynolds Won't Be Traded at Deadline '1 Percent Chance': Pirates Reporter Shares Bleak Take on Paul Skenes Extension Prospects Yankees Expected 'To Get After It' Before Trade Deadline: 6 Blockbuster Trade Targets, Including Chris Sale
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR entry list Dover: Cup Series entry list for Dover Motor Speedway
There are only six regular-season races remaining on the NASCAR schedule, with 12 of 16 playoff spots already locked up. The NASCAR entry list for Dover Motor Speedway is set, with the Cup Series returning to an oval course and plenty at stake for drivers and teams. Sunday's Cup Series race delivers the Final Four in the NASCAR In-Season Tournament, two matchups determining which two drivers will face off for the $1 million prize. There's also a tight battle among the best NASCAR drivers for the regular-season points title as we come down the stretch. Advertisement Related: NASCAR standings for Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series Let's dive into the NASCAR entry list for Dover, along with the early NASCAR odds this week for the EchoPark Automotive 400. NASCAR entry list this week: Dover Motor Speedway Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images Here is the NASCAR entry list this week for the Cup Series race on Sunday afternoon. There are 37 entries for the Cup Series race this weekend. Car – Driver Team Crew Chief 1 – Ross Chastain Trackhouse Racing Phil Surgen 2 – Austin Cindric Team Penske Brian Wilson 3 – Austin Dillon Richard Childress Racing Richard Boswell II 4 – Noah Gragson Front Row Motorsports Drew Blickensderfer 5 – Kyle Larson Hendrick Motorsports Cliff Daniels 6 – Brad Keselowski RFK Racing Jeremy Bullins 7 – Justin Haley Spire Motorsports Ryan Sparks 8 – Kyle Busch Richard Childress Racing Randall Burnett 9 – Chase Elliott Hendrick Motorsports Alan Gustafson 10 – Ty Dillon Kaulig Racing Andrew Dickeson 11 – Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing Chris Gayle 12 – Ryan Blaney Team Penske Jonathan Hassler 16 – AJ Almmendinger Kaulig Racing Trent Owens 17 – Chris Buescher RFK Racing Scott Graves 19 – Chase Briscoe Joe Gibbs Racing James Small 20 – Christopher Bell Joe Gibbs Racing Adam Stevens 21 – Josh Berry Wood Brothers Racing Miles Stanley 22 – Joey Logano Team Penske Paul Wolfe 23 – Bubba Wallace 23XI Racing Charles Denike 24 – William Byron Hendrick Motorsports Ryan Fugle 34 – Todd Gilliland Front Row Motorsports Chris Lawson 35 – Riley Herbst 23XI Racing Davin Restivo 38 – Zane Smith Front Row Motorsports Ryan Bergenty 41 – Cole Custer Haas Factory Team Aaron Kramer 42 – John H. Nemechek LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Travis Mack 43 – Erik Jones LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Ben Beshore 44 – JJ Yeley NY Racing Team 45 – Tyler Reddick 23XI Racing Billy Scott 47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr Hyak Motorsports Michael Kelley 48 – Alex Bowman Hendrick Motorsports Blake Harris 51 – Cody Ware Rick Ware Racing Billy Plourde 54 – Ty Gibbs Joe Gibbs Racing Tyler Allen 60 – Ryan Preece RFK Racing Derrick Finley 71 – Michael McDowell Spire Motorsports Travis Peterson 77 – Carson Hocevar Spire Motorsports Luke Lambert 78 – Katherine Legge Live Fast Motorsports David Ingram 88 – Shane van Gisbergen Trackhouse Racing Stephen Doran 99 – Daniel Suárez Trackhouse Racing Matt Swiderski Also Read: Ryan Blaney responds to criticism of not intentionally wrecking drivers NASCAR odds for Dover We'll provide the NASCAR odds for this weekend for the Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway as soon as they become available. Odds for the EchoPark Automotive 400 are via DraftKings and determined before qualifying results. Advertisement Related Headlines
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Carson Hocevar reveals odd approach to friendships with NASCAR drivers
NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar has created plenty of issues on the track this season with fellow drivers, including Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Ryan Blaney and Austin Dillon. That approach might be a reflection of how he views being friends with his fellow drivers. On the latest episode of the Dale Jr Download, Hocevar told Dale Earnhardt Jr. that he doesn't have a single friend in any of the three NASCAR series, and he has only hung out with other drivers once off the track. 'Not anyone in the industry….Nope, none…I've only hung out one time with any other driver, it was SVG and Bubba at his property, one time. Carson Hocevar on if he has any friends at the NASCAR level Related: NASCAR standings, see where Carson Hocevar sits Carson Hocevar stats ( 368 points, 4 top 10s, 2 top 5s, 1 pole, 5 DNFs, 72 laps led, 22.526 average finishing position in 19 races Advertisement Hocevar was honest about 'not really talking to anybody' and rarely interacting with others, even when he's at the track. He doesn't go out, he doesn't drink, and he rarely interacts with fellow drivers on the entry stage. While it could be argued that the 22-year-old has plenty of time to create friendships at the Truck Series level, Hocevar stated that he really didn't have any friendships in the Truck Series, nor when he was racing short track. Instead, his friend group is comprised of his iRacing buddies. Related: NASCAR predictions for final races, including a Carson Hocevar win He does, however, have a very close relationship with his friends from iRacing and is building a property where they can all hang out more regularly. Outside of that, though, making friendships in the Cup Series doesn't seem likely to happen anytime soon. Advertisement It's certainly the kind of approach that some fans will love, with Hocevar's passion for racing and his hard-line approach to having no friends on the track reflecting his style of driving. However, other drivers will likely see it as another reason why he drives overaggressively, at times not treating other drivers with the respect that might come from good relationships. Related: NASCAR schedule 2025 While it might be a controversial approach among his peers and will likely lead to further confrontations, Hocevar seems perfectly suited to play the role of the heel that makes NASCAR more interesting. It will also make him the driver that fans either love or love to hate. Related Headlines
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Eli John Ndiaye rises to block the shot
Ty Majeski discusses his victory in the 46th Slinger Nationals The reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion dominated, even if his car wasn't as good as he tought it could be. 0:46 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Indianapolis Star
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
Race car driver, social media sensation Hailie Deegan: From trucks to NASCAR to Indy NXT
May 6, 2023; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; NASCAR Truck Series driver Hailie Deegan (13) during Truck Series practice and qualifying at Kansas Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports Feb 17, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Hailie Deegan (15) during qualifying for the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE - JUNE 21: Hailie Deegan, driver of the #15 VIVA Tequila Seltzer Ford, waits on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series SciAps 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 21, 2024 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by) Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Jun 8, 2024; Sonoma, California, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Hailie Deegan (15) smiles before the start of the NASCAR Xfinity Sonoma 250 at Sonoma Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports Getty Images Getty Images Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - MAY 11: Hailie Deegan, driver of the #15 Airbox Ford, waits backstage during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at Darlington Raceway on May 11, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by) Getty Images Denny Simmons / The Tennessean LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE - JUNE 21: Hailie Deegan, driver of the #15 VIVA Tequila Seltzer Ford, waits on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series SciAps 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 21, 2024 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by) Getty Images Chris Graythen, Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Feb 17, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Hailie Deegan during qualifying for the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Hailie Deegan (15) races during the Tennessee Lottery 250 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 29, 2024. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean Oct 21, 2023; Homestead, Florida, USA; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Hailie Deegan (13) races during the Baptist Health Cancer Care 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
