9 FOR THE NEW YEAR
Entering 2023, there are notable names in the NASCAR Cup Series that are still without a victory at the top level. They include:
The 30-year-old veteran wipes the slate clean entering 2022 as he looks for greener pastures in the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports. If he can work with his teammate LaJoie at a track like Daytona or Atlanta, the door is open for Dillon to get that elusive maiden victory.
AUSTIN HILL: Hill will run a parttime schedule in the No. 62 Chevrolet for Beard Motorsports in 2023. This includes competing in both Daytona and Talladega races. Hill led 241 laps combined on superspeedways in the Xfinity Series last season, including two wins at Daytona and Atlanta. Do not be surprised if Hill is in contention for his first career Cup win in 2023.
ZANE SMITH: In an expanded role with Front Row Motorsports, Smith will make his first attempt at running the Daytona 500 in February, along with other select Cup and Xfinity Series races to be announced later. Smith won the Truck Series opener at Daytona last February, so he’s no stranger to running out front at the storied superspeedway.
TODD GILLILAND: In his rookie year last season, Gilliland grabbed a fourthplace finish at the Indianapolis road course for his best run of 2022. If strategy could fall in his favor again in 2023, look for Gilliland as a potential frontrunner at the Brickyard.
HARRISON BURTON: After a rookie slump, the expectations will be raised for the 22-year-old whose only top-five finish came at the Indianapolis road course (third). Burton wasn’t afraid to run up front during the Daytona 500 last year before flipping down the backstretch in Stage 1. Maybe, he’ll be upset-minded when the 2023 calendar opens on the 2.5mile superspeedway.
COREY LAJOIE: After a heartbreaking end to his upset bid at Atlanta last July, LaJoie will be hungrier than ever to score his maiden Cup Series win. He’s also improved his average finish every season since 2019, so expect that trend to continue in 2023.
RYAN PREECE: Returning to fulltime Cup Series action for the first time since 2021, Preece will pilot the No. 41 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing. Superspeedways are a trendy pick but look toward the intermediate oval in Nashville Superspeedway that could be the 32-year-old’s golden opportunity to break through in NASCAR’s premier series.
NOAH GRAGSON: Despite the No. 42 Chevrolet for Petty GMS Motorsports going winless last season, the organization built substantial momentum ahead of 2023, highlighted by Erik Jones’ Southern 500 win. With Gragson joining Jones – and the leadership of seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson in the stable – Gragson could turn the No. 42 into a contender on a weekly basis.
TY GIBBS: Likely the favorite to win Rookie of the Year in 2023, Gibbs will pilot the No. 54 Toyota for his grandfather’s championship-contending team. It may take a few weeks for the 20-year-old to be fully accustomed to the Cup car despite making 15 starts in 2022 but look for Gibbs to potentially score his first win at a road course like Circuit of the Americas in March.