The 2024 NASCAR Cup is down to the final four. After all the thrills, spills, and enough engine revs to rattle the fillings out of your teeth, we’re left with four contenders ready to duke it out in Phoenix. Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Joey Logano—each one with their own story, their own style, and their own burning desire to bring home that shiny NASCAR Cup. But let’s be honest. In this high-stakes game, only one man can take the crown. So, let’s dive into these four gladiators and make a bold prediction about who’s taking it all.
Tyler Reddick: The Young Maverick with a Point to Prove
First up, Tyler Reddick, the young maverick with a wild driving style and a hunger that’s hard to ignore. Reddick is the kind of guy who’ll take a line so close to the wall it makes his crew wince, and his fans cheer. He’s unfiltered, unafraid, and unhinged in the best way possible. Reddick’s been a wild card all season, pulling off audacious moves that’ve left fans on their feet and other drivers in his wake.
But here’s the issue: Phoenix is not a track for the faint-hearted or the reckless. Sure, his aggression has paid off on tracks where he could use raw speed to his advantage, but the Phoenix Raceway demands a touch more finesse than pure firepower. If Reddick can rein in his gunslinger approach and race smart, he’s got a real shot. If he pushes too hard, though, he’ll end up watching the Cup slip away.
Ryan Blaney: The Cool-Handed Contender with Something to Prove
Then we have Ryan Blaney, the man who’s been quietly consistent, maybe even a bit underrated. Blaney has been the classic “strong but silent” contender in 2024, staying out of the drama and steadily racking up the points. But let’s be honest—Blaney’s cool-headed approach doesn’t exactly get the blood pumping. He’s more likely to play it safe than to risk a daring pass, which is admirable…until it’s not.
Phoenix is a track where patience can pay off, but when it’s the championship on the line, sometimes you’ve got to throw caution to the wind. Blaney’s ability to stay calm might be his biggest weapon—or his Achilles’ heel. If he plays it too safe, he risks fading into the background while the others grab the glory.
William Byron: The Young Prodigy with a Heavy Foot
Now, William Byron. He’s the youngest of the bunch, but what he lacks in age, he makes up for in sheer audacity. Byron’s been on fire in 2024. He’s the driver who can drop the hammer when he needs to and isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone. Byron is fast, fearless, and, let’s face it, hungry to show everyone that he’s not just a young gun—he’s a real contender.
But Byron’s youth can also be his downfall. Racing for a championship is as much about the mind as it is about the machine. The Phoenix Raceway demands strategy, focus, and a steady hand. Byron has speed in spades, but does he have the composure to keep it cool under the immense pressure of a title-deciding race? That’s the million-dollar question. If he can handle the heat, he’ll be hard to beat.
Joey Logano: The Fierce Fighter with a Championship Mindset
Joey Logano doesn’t just race; he fights. The man has a chip on his shoulder that weighs about as much as his car, and that’s exactly what you want when it’s championship time. Logano has made it clear over the years that he’s here to win—no matter what it takes. He’s aggressive, he’s relentless, and when it comes to high-pressure situations, he’s a master of handling it. Unlike some of his competitors, Logano knows what it’s like to win it all, and he’s got the strategic mind to do it again.
Logano has the skill to handle Phoenix, too. He’s one of those rare drivers who can play the long game, strategically picking his moments to push hard without burning out. Phoenix demands a balance of aggression and control, and Logano’s built a career on walking that fine line. So, if you’re looking for a driver with the mindset, experience, and sheer tenacity to bring home the Cup, Logano’s a real threat.
The Prediction
With Logano in the mix, I’m putting him in the top spot as my pick to take it all. Byron’s youth, Blaney’s calm, and Reddick’s fire are all worthy competitors, but Logano’s balance of raw aggression and smart racing gives him a decisive edge. He’s the guy who’s been here before, knows what it takes, and will do whatever it takes to get his hands on that NASCAR Cup again.
Who you got?
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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