Top 10 storylines for 2024 NASCAR season: SHR's future, Chase Elliott's rebound and much more
top 10 storylines for 2024 nascar season: shr’s future, chase elliott’s rebound and much more
The 2024 NASCAR is nearly upon us, and the upcoming season promises to be very exciting. From on-the-track jostling to back-room negotiating, it will be very entertaining.
The 2024 season, which will kick off with Daytona 500 week on February 18, will have many storylines.
Let’s look at the topics which are likely to keep people engaged throughout the year.
1. Racing at short tracks & road courses
Short tracks and road courses make up 16 points races on the schedule. Over the years, they have historically produced some of the best Cup races.
However, ever since the introduction of Next Gen cars, the aerodynamic package hasn’t been able to produce the type of racing fans are used to.
As a result, NASCAR has changed the aerodynamic package for the third consecutive year on short tracks and road courses. It has made significant changes to the underwing as it doesn’t cover all of the underbody of the car, which will impact downforce.
To cut down on the loss in downforce, NASCAR has increased the size of the rear spoiler from 2 inches to 3 inches.
It will reduce the downforce by five percent, but NASCAR and the teams hope that it means that the car out front has less of an advantage, that the change of where the downforce comes from increases the ability to move through traffic.
2. Future of Stewart-Haas Racing future
Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) was formed in 2009 when Gene Haas gave half of his team to Tony Stewart, and they became an instant force. As a result, Stewart was able to attract talented drivers, crew members, executives … and big sponsors. They won titles in 2011 (Stewart) and 2014 (Kevin Harvick) and won 65 races through 2020.
However, since 2020, they have won only four races and now have a lineup of four drivers with a combined one Cup win.
Notably, their Ford deal ends after this year and questions remain whether Ford will continue to pay SHR the same amount as it has in recent years. When it comes to sponsorship, they also don’t have the supports of Busch Light and Smithfield now.
It will be interesting to see whether SHR can continue as a four-car organization in the years to come. This is a team in transition and did a rebrand this year in hopes of generating buzz and funding as well. But the pressure is building on them, and they need a win.
3. Larson Kyle Larson’s attempt for double
American driver Kyle Larson will attempt to be the first driver since Kurt Busch in 2014 to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Notably, only Tony Stewart has completed a full 1,100 miles in one day in the two races.
Larson is running for two of the best teams – Arrow McLaren on the IndyCar side and then his regular Hendrick ride at Charlotte.
4. Timely release of 2025 schedule
American professional stock car racing driver and NASCAR team owner Denny Hamlin said on his podcast “Actions Detrimental” that NASCAR hopes to release the 2025 schedule earlier than it has the last couple of years (when it has been in late September).
It raises a few questions: Will 2025 finally be the year that Cup teams have points race outside the United States? What will NASCAR do with its preseason Clash? Is there a commitment to run at Iowa Speedway – new to the schedule this year – for several more years?
People are curious to know, especially if any of the new events are temporary street circuits (like Chicago) or ovals (like the Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum).
5. Car safety
This is a standard storyline because racing is dangerous. NASCAR took significant steps in 2023 after a 2022 season that saw
After Kurt Busch (who is now retired) and Alex Bowman missed races because of concussions in 2022 and several drivers complained that they were absorbing too much of the energy in a crash, NASCAR took many steps in 2023 for the safety purposes.
There were very less complaints in 2023 but drivers did suffer injury as was the case in any other season. Noah Gragson missed one race because of concussion-type symptoms while Ryan Blaney had some concussion-type symptoms following a Nashville crash where he hit a wall not protected by SAFER Barrier.
This year also, NASCAR has taken steps to keep drivers safe.
6. Charter agreement
The charter agreement between NASCAR and its teams ends after the 2024 season and so far, the negotiations between the two sides have not made much progress.
Both parties want to get the deal done, but the arguments have come down to money in the recent months.
Teams want enough money from NASCAR so they can be less dependent on sponsorship and have a value that they can show to investors and potential buyers when it’s required. Things will get done, but it won’t be that easy for sure.
7. Chase Elliott rebound?
Elliott missed seven races last year – six after breaking his leg in a snowboarding accident and another race for a suspension.
One of the most popular racers missed the playoffs and he didn’t win. A happy and winning Chase Elliott will make NASCAR smile and would energize the fan base.
8. New Ford, Toyota bodies
Ford and Toyota rebranded to different Mustang and Camry models this year. They hope that the new body styles help them.
When it comes to Ford, it hopes that the impact comes on the intermediate tracks, and it didn’t give up too much of an edge it seemed to have on the superspeedways. On the other hand, Toyota hopes it helps its ability to push on the superspeedways.
9. Hoping for a dry Chicago
The inaugural Chicago Street race was affected by rains last July. The races didn’t go off on the day scheduled as heavy rains pelted the track Saturday and Sunday.
It was so cool to see the Cup cars racing a street course – a first for the Cup Series. If it can be a sunny weekend in Chicago where the concerts and race can go as scheduled, it will be one of the most superb events produced by NASCAR.
10. Martin Truex Jr. retiring or not
For the third consecutive year, the season starts with guessing about the future of 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. Even, he himself doesn’t have the answer.
However, Joe Gibbs Racing team probably will want an answer during the late summer.