3 NASCAR drivers poised for a big breakout in 2020
NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt DiBenedetto walks through the crowd during driver introductions. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire)
December 26th, 2019
When handicapping the NASCAR Cup Series it's easy to pinpoint who the best drivers are in the field every week. The numbers speak for themselves. However, no matter the hype, every driver in NASCAR had to prove themselves at one point or another. As we look towards the 2020 Cup Series season, here are three drivers that may be on the verge of a big breakout season.
Matt DiBenedetto
The driver known in the Cup garage as Matty D moves from the #95 Leavine Family Racing Toyota to the #21 Wood Brothers Ford. Many NASCAR fans want to know if DiBenedetto is for real or not. This is especially the case after it appeared he had the Bristol night race won until Denny Hamlin stole it from him in the closing laps this past summer. The Wood Brothers Ford will be the best car he has ever driven in the sport. It has an alliance deal with Team Penske, which is one of the best teams."This is such a remarkable story." Ricky Craven on Matt DiBenedetto going to @woodbrothers21 next season. pic.twitter.com/VaUL1OG56v
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 13, 2019
Last season, DiBenedetto was able to pick up three top 5’s, seven top 10’s, he led 152 laps, and he had an average finish of 18.31. He will be a dark horse candidate at a few tracks in 2020, but can he prove he belongs and find victory lane? Only time will tell.
William Byron
The driver of the #24 Hendrick Chevrolet really showed promise in 2019. He scored five top 5’s, 13 top 10’s, and he led 233 laps with an average finish of 14.89. He was also able to capture five poles in the 2019 season. William Byron could be the next Jeff Gordon, or even the next Jimmie Johnson.Our Backseat Drivers think @WilliamByron will finally make his way to Victory Lane in 2020.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 17, 2019
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/XuGQoTmHtQ
Byron’s crew chief is Chad Knaus, who helped guide Jimmie Johnson to seven Cup Series Championships. If you ask crew members from various teams who the next first-time winner will be, it’s this guy. Figuring out where Byron will win is the tricky part. 2019 was a great learning season for Byron, but in 2020 he will need to take the next step and begin winning races. The upcoming season will be a good year to bet on Byron as he looks to fulfill his enormous potential.
Tyler Reddick
Rookie drivers don’t come into the Cup Series and start winning races. However, back-to-back Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick may become the exception in 2020. It’s going to be a little bit of a learning curve for Reddick and the Richard Childress Racing team has struggled over the last few years. But has that struggle been from a lack of talented drivers or lack of car ability?Tyler Reddick is your 2019 Xfinity Series Champion! #NASCAR | #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/z4JjGlxTCF
— Darian Gilliam (@BlackFlagMatter) November 16, 2019
Car owner Richard Childress is very high on this guy. Reddick ran two Cup Series races in 2019 at Daytona and Kansas. The Kansas race is interesting as he started 21st and fought hard for a ninth place finish. In just two races, he’s already shown he has the ability to run in the top 10. Reddick possesses great value on match-up bets and various prop bets in 2020. Keep a close eye on his #8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.