What’s Happening?

2023 was a year full of surprises and feel-good stories, but that’s now in the past. The focus is on 2024 and whether or not drivers can replicate their highest highs and turn them into sustained success. Some succeed, but others do not. Today, we take a look at the breakout stars of 2023 to see how they are performing in the early stages of 2024.

• This list is not limited to any series. Any driver who had a great 2023 season that people were uncertain about heading into it is eligible.
• Even though it is early in 2024, NASCAR has now raced on every track type on the schedule. That’s enough of a sample size to paint a picture of where drivers truly are heading into 2024.
• Fans love breakout stars, and these stars create feel-good stories for the fans. However, expectation begins to set in following a breakout season.

Cup Series: Chris Buescher

Chris Buescher has enjoyed a decent, but not spectacular start to 2024. He’s the second-highest Ford driver in the points standings, and he’s comfortably in the Playoffs for the moment. Overall, it’s a decent follow-up to a career season to this point given that his equipment may not be doing him any favors.

Xfinity Series: Jesse Love

The Daily Downforce #4 NASCAR prospect, Jesse Love, took the ARCA Menards Series by storm in 2023, and the jump up to Xfinity has been a smooth one in 2024. He likely would have a win if not for fuel mileage at Atlanta, and he has two poles already. Love is establishing himself as one of NASCAR’s brightest young prospects.

Cup Series: Michael McDowell

Michael McDowell has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but mechanical failures at Daytona and COTA robbed him of potentially good finishes. He still has two top-10s and his first career pole coming at Atlanta. Once Front Row Motorsports gets its equipment working properly, McDowell could make some noise this season.

Xfinity Series: Sam Mayer

Sam Mayer had the breakout year he was waiting for in 2023, but, 2024 has been a disaster so far. Mayer recorded 3 DNFs in the first four races, but, COTA gave him something to smile about. A 9th place finish was his first top-10 of the season, and time will tell if he can regain the form from his hot streak in 2023.

Cup Series: Carson Hocevar

Carson Hocevar has yet to crack a top-10 finish this season, but, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t shown flashes. Keep in mind that he joined a race team that finished 33rd in Owner’s points in 2023, so, sitting 25th in points with a pair of top-15 finishes is an improvement. He’s doing a solid job, and it will be interesting to see if he gets better.