6 Biggest UNKNOWNS Entering The 2026 NASCAR Season

It feels almost impossible to know what to expect from several drivers heading into 2026, and that uncertainty is exactly what Eric tackles in this video. After laying out bold predictions elsewhere, this one zeroes in on the drivers who could swing wildly in either direction, for better or worse, once the new season begins.

• Is 2026 finally the year Ty Gibbs takes the long-awaited step forward and wins in the Cup Series?
• Can Noah Gragson rebound after a disastrous season and prove he belongs at the Cup level?
• Does Carson Hocevar break through with Spire Motorsports, or do mistakes and misfortune hold him back again?
• Which version of Joey Logano shows up, the championship contender or the frustratingly inconsistent veteran?
• Can Kyle Busch snap his winless streak in a contract year by cutting down unforced errors?
• Will Ross Chastain rediscover the dominant Trackhouse form we saw flashes of, or continue trending downward?

Eric walks through why each of these drivers is so difficult to project, digging into recent stats, team changes, crew chief swaps, and career context. Some are young talents running out of excuses, others are veterans at crossroads, and a few sit right on the edge between superstardom and stagnation. That mix makes 2026 one of the hardest seasons to forecast in recent memory.

Which of these drivers do you think takes a big step forward, and who are you most worried about heading into the year? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let the debate begin.

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