However, following the points reset heading into the playoffs, Larson finds himself top of the standings ahead of this weekend’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Larson is separated from Christopher Bell by just eight points, which means any mistake during the Quaker State 400 could be costly for the 2021 champion.
Tyler Reddick claimed the regular-season championship
Who is the favorite to claim the 2024 NASCAR Cup championship?
Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic conducted an anonymous polling at NASCAR Playoff Media Day, where the drivers were asked who they thought would claim the 2024 Series Cup title.
The outstanding favorite was Bell, who received eight votes from his fellow competitors.
When asked why they chose Bell, the drivers revealed his ‘progression’ and dominance at Phoenix were the reasons for their choice.
Christopher Bell named as favorite to take NASCAR Cup championship
“The run he’s had from 2022, 2023 and this year, you can see the progression. He’s one of the best cars week in and week out,” one driver said.
Despite his championship winning pedigree, Larson lost out to Bell and only received four votes after being snubbed by most of his fellow NASCAR stars.
“Drivers expressed caution over picking Larson because although he may have the strongest team and car in many weeks, that’s not necessarily the case at the championship,” Gluck and Bianchi added as the reason for his fewer votes than Bell.
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