The NASCAR Cup Series is the premier racing series in North America, featuring the best drivers and teams competing in 36 races across various tracks. The 2023 season has been full of excitement, drama, and surprises, as the drivers battle for the championship title and the coveted trophy.
As of September 19, 2023, the top five drivers and teams in the NASCAR Cup Series standings are:
| Rank | Driver | Team | Wins | Points | Poles | Car Make |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports | 5 | 3036 | 3 | Chevrolet |
| 2 | Martin Truex Jr. | Joe Gibbs Racing | 3 | 3036 | 1 | Toyota |
| 3 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | 3 | 3032 | 4 | Toyota |
| 4 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | 3 | 3023 | 2 | Chevrolet |
| 5 | Chris Buescher | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing | 3 | 3021 | 0 | Ford |
William Byron
William Byron is the current leader of the NASCAR Cup Series standings, tied with Martin Truex Jr. with 3036 points. Byron has been one of the most consistent drivers in the season, scoring five wins, three poles, and 18 top-ten finishes in 28 races. His most recent win was at the Bristol Motor Speedway on September 16, where he led 102 laps and held off a late charge from Kyle Larson. Byron drives the No.24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history. Byron is seeking his first Cup Series championship title in his fifth full-time season.
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. is the co-leader of the NASCAR Cup Series standings, also with 3036 points. Truex has been one of the dominant drivers in the season, scoring three wins, one pole, and 16 top-ten finishes in 28 races. His most recent win was at the Richmond Raceway on September 11, where he led a race-high 80 laps and secured his spot in the Round of 12 of the playoffs. Truex drives the No.19 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, one of the powerhouse teams in NASCAR. Truex is aiming for his second Cup Series championship title, after winning it in 2017.
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin is the third-place driver in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, with 3032 points. Hamlin has been one of the resilient drivers in the season, scoring three wins, four poles, and a series-leading 21 top-ten finishes in 28 races. His most recent win was at the Darlington Raceway on September 5, where he led a race-high 146 laps and clinched his spot in the Round of 12 of the playoffs. Hamlin drives the No.11 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, alongside his teammate Martin Truex Jr. Hamlin is looking for his first Cup Series championship title, after finishing runner-up four times.
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson is the fourth-place driver in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, with 3023 points. Larson has been one of the spectacular drivers in the season, scoring three wins, two poles, and 19 top-ten finishes in 28 races. His most recent win was at the Nashville Superspeedway on June 20, where he led a race-high 264 laps and swept both stages. Larson drives the No.5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, alongside his teammate William Byron. Larson is pursuing his first Cup Series championship title, after missing most of the 2020 season due to suspension.
Chris Buescher
Chris Buescher is the fifth-place driver in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, with 3021 points. Buescher has been one of the surprising drivers in the season, scoring three wins, zero poles, and nine top-ten finishes in 28 races. His most recent win was at the Talladega Superspeedway on April 25, where he survived a wild race that featured multiple cautions and lead changes. Buescher drives the No.17 Ford Mustang for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, a newly formed team that merged Roush Fenway Racing and Team Penske. Buescher is chasing his first Cup Series championship title, after making his playoff debut this year.
The NASCAR Cup Series will continue with the South Point 400 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 24, where the drivers will compete in the first race of the Round of 12 of the playoffs. The top eight drivers after the Round of 12 will advance to the Round of 8, and the top four drivers after the Round of 8 will compete for the championship title in the season finale at the Phoenix Raceway on November 5.
