What’s Happening?

Every new NASCAR season brings a new set of interesting streaks to look out for throughout the year. One of the toughest for drivers to see next to their name is a losing streak. Here are the drivers facing losing streaks as this season begins.

• For this list, we will focus on full-time drivers in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup who have won a race in the past. Anyone who has not won a race or does not race full-time is ineligible.
• Each driver on this list competed must have competed in races in the past calendar year, both part-time or full-time. They must also be competing full-time in 2025 and have not won a race in over a calendar year.
• Thanks to last season’s 18 unique race winners, this list is smaller than last year’s. The 2024 season began with 14 drivers on a losing streak. Entering 2025, there were just seven drivers on the list.

38 Races – Chase Elliott – No. 9 – Hendrick Motorsports

Last Win: Texas (April 2024)

NASCAR’s most popular driver ended his long 42 race losing streak that dated from late 2022 to early 2024 with his win at Texas in 2024. This emotional win not only ended his losing streak but his sponsor Hooters NASCAR losing streak. Since this win, Elliott has put up consistently good numbers, including the Playoff race at Martinsville last fall, where he led 129 laps. However, the No. 9 has yet to return to victory lane.

45 Races- Daniel Suarez – No. 99 – Trackhouse Racing

Last Win: Atlanta (February 2024)

Daniel Suarez’s last win came dramatically, narrowly beating out Ryan Blaney AND Kyle Busch in Atlanta in the second race of 2024. However, since that race, Suarez has not had such great luck, finishing second twice since then, once at Atlanta last fall, and once at Las Vegas in the Spring of 2025.

51 Races Total; 30 Races Started – AJ Allmendinger – No. 16 – Kaulig Racing

Last Win: Charlotte Roval (October 2023)

AJ Allmendinger stepped down to full-time Xfinity Series action starting in 2024. This move would prove difficult for AJ and Kaulig Racing, both on the Cup and Xfinity Series levels. AJ will return to full-time Cup Series action in 2025 in his No. 16. He struggled in part-time races with the team last season, but perhaps, consistency can get the veteran back in victory lane.

59 Races – Michael McDowell – No. 71 – Spire Motorsports

Last Win: Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit (August 2023)

Michael McDowell went out for wins last year, and despite a career-best six poles, McDowell would go winless. However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the 40-year-old as he signed a long-term deal with Spire Motorsports to drive their No. 71 this season. McDowell is an expert on road courses, and with an expanded road course schedule this year, plus the improving Spire equipment, he has several chances to win in 2025.

65 Races Total; 24 Races Started – Shane van Gisbergen – No. 88 – Trackhouse Racing

Last Win: Chicago Street Circuit (July 2023)

Every NASCAR fan, both die-hard and casual, remembers Shane van Gisbergen’s triumphant win at the inaugural Chicago Street Race. However, since his debut win, SVG has been on a short losing streak thanks to a part-time Cup Series schedule in 2024. Last year, his best finish was second at Watkins Glen. However, in his new ride at Trackhouse, SVG’s streak could break early on this season.

68 Races – Kyle Busch – No. 8 – Richard Childress Racing

Last Win: Gateway (June 2023)

The most shocking name on this list is of course Kyle Busch, who almost walked away with a win last season several times. After missing both the Playoffs and the chance to continue his 19-year winning streak, KFB needs to refresh for the 2025 season. Kyle and the No. 8 team improved late last season and, perhaps, can continue that momentum into this season.

91 Races Total; 90 Races Started – Bubba Wallace – No. 23 – 23XI Racing

Last Win: Kansas (September 2022)

Bubba Wallace is another driver on a losing streak with a new contract in 2025. 23XI Racing feels like they are entering a new era with an expanded lineup. As a piece of every era of 23XI so far, Bubba has struggled and won. However, this current streak is his toughest yet. The No. 23 has a new Crew Chief this season, and that may be the spark Bubba needs to be on top once again.

92 Races Total; 90 Races Started – Erik Jones – No. 43 – Legacy Motor Club

Last Win: Darlington (September 2022)

Erik Jones had a rough 2024 season. After a tough start, Jones found the injured list following a brutal crash at Talladega in the spring. After missing two races in a row, Erik rejoined the series. However, he could only muster a best finish of fifth at the fall Talladega race. Year two for LMC and Toyota will be a big year in the team’s hopeful development, and with his new contract, Jones could take the No. 43 to victory lane again.

152 Starts; 208 Races Total – Justin Haley – No. 7 – Spire Motorsports

Last Win: Daytona (July 2019)

The best comeback story of 2024 was undoubtedly Justin Haley. After a shock signing with Rick Ware Racing, Haley performed well beyond expectation. This period ended in a trade of sorts late in 2024 when RWR sent Haley to Spire Motorsports for Corey Lajoie. Haley’s only win was with a young Spire team at Daytona in 2019. With a fresh start, he could end both his and the team’s 198 race losing streak.

This list will be updated race to race as the season continues.