Time to list another set of worthy dark horses. Let’s take away some spotlight on the top-tier racers and put it on the race’s finest under-the-radar guys.
Headlining our list is the momentum-filled Kyle Larson, who’s been putting up a lot of good numbers and performances as of late. Along with currently leading the Monster Energy Cup Series in points (659) and placing second overall in the rankings, he is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. He has a pair of wins – Auto Club 400 and FireKeepers Casino 400 – and six second-place finishes in the last three months.
Denny Hamlin
Veteran Denny Hamlin deserves this spot because of the sudden resurgence he has displayed. Just months ago, the 36-year-old appeared to be on the verge of fading out and just chalking this season as a down year, but he was able to rise and rack up big finishes after big finishes. With his playoff chances hanging in the balance, we can expect him to continue pounding it on the competition.
Hamlin will be heading to the race having finished 8th or better (three were inside the top five) in four his last five events. He has 476 points on the series and places 14th in the standings.
Kurt Busch
Rounding out the list is the older of the second-generation racing stars Busch Brothers. Like the other guys in here, Kurt has better momentum and rhythm than most of the currently considered second-tier players. He began to make noise this season by capturing the Daytona 500 this past February (without a rearview mirror, mind you!), and although he became quiet for the next several events, he returned to form by finishing inside the top eight in six of his last nine races.
Busch is seventh in the rankings and he has 389 points in the series.
