Success in the NASCAR Cup Series requires more than just luck, though every driver would welcome a bit of fortune on the track.
Take Kyle Larson, for instance, whose lucky break during the Brickyard 400 was noteworthy. Conversely, many drivers struggle to find any luck, a fact highlighted throughout the 2024 season.
As NASCAR takes a two-week hiatus for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, with the Cup Series resuming on August 11 at Richmond Raceway, NASCAR.com has compiled a list of the unluckiest drivers so far. These rankings are based on a statistical model predicting a driver’s win probability given their Driver Rating.
1. Ty Gibbs
Despite numerous predictions for wins in 2024, Ty Gibbs has yet to secure a victory. Nonetheless, Gibbs remains in the Top 16 of the playoff standings for most of the season, currently sitting at P14, 42 points above the cutoff. A win would guarantee his spot, but he’s in a strong position regardless.
2. Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick’s season has been outstanding, making it ironic that he’s also among the unluckiest. In the overall Cup Series points, he’s just 15 points shy of the lead. In the playoff standings, he’s sixth, the highest-ranked driver with only one victory. A few more wins could propel him up the rankings.
3. Martin Truex Jr.
With Martin Truex Jr. announcing his retirement at the end of the 2024 season, many expected him to secure some sentimental wins. Despite fast performances, he hasn’t captured a checkered flag yet, largely due to bad luck. Currently, he’s the top driver without a win, sitting at P13 with a 108-point cushion. A win before the playoffs would be ideal as his career winds down.
4. Noah Gragson
Noah Gragson has demonstrated his talent in 2024 with Stewart-Haas Racing, despite some tough breaks. Running consistently in the Top 15, his luck has kept him from a playoff run, as he’s outside the Top 20. He’ll need a win and some luck to make it to the playoffs.
5.Noah Gragson
According to NASCAR.com’s formula, Chris Buescher is one of the unluckiest drivers of the season. Memorable moments include a runner-up finish in the closest Cup Series race ever and a missed win at Darlington due to Tyler Reddick. Buescher is on the playoff bubble, currently at P15, 17 points above the cutoff. A win at Richmond, where he has previously succeeded, could secure his playoff spot.
NASCAR’s unluckiest drivers, ranked from No. 6 through No. 10:
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