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In 2020, the Chevrolet teams in the NASCAR Cup Series lacked speed. They had 9 manufacturer wins, and ended the year winning the manufacturer’s championship, with Chase Elliott. Even though they succeeded in that sense, all the Chevrolet teams will undoubtedly have to make some adjustments for the 2021 Season.
- Hendrick Motorsports, [No. 5 / Kyle Larson, No. 9 / Chase Elliott, No. 24 / William Byron, and No. 48 / Alex Bowman], is going to try and win another set of back-to-back Cup series championships with Chase Elliott. Kyle Larson, the team’s newest driver, could be a factor for the 2021 Cup Series title. This will be the best equipment Larson has ever had in the Cup Series, though he will have to get past his teammate Chase Elliott if he has any chance at the title. Byron probably won't be much of a championship contender, and neither will Bowman, but both teammates will more than likely have a decent run with at least a win for each driver this season.
- Richard Childress Racing, [No. 3 / Austin Dillon, No. 8 / Tyler Reddick], is starting to gain some consistency with both drivers. It’s taken Dillon a few years, but I think we will see him begin to bring RCR and the No. 3 Chevrolet to victory lane a bit more over the next few seasons. Reddick's rookie year may have not have worked out quite like he hopes, although his rough edges have begun to level out, and we will see him improving in the upcoming seasons. I think it’s safe to say at some point in his career, his aggressive racing skills will land him in victory lane, and maybe eventually, even a championship.
- JTG Daugherty Racing, [No. 37 / Ryan Preece, No. 47 / Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.], haven't been consistent over the past few seasons, but could have a chance to redeem themselves in 2021. Preece and Stenhouse, could both win, and we could see a decent playoff appearance for both.
- Richard Petty Motorsports, [No. 43 / Erik Jones], has had a rough ride over the past few years. A 3 year winless streak with Bubba Wallace behind the wheel, has undoubtedly not helped the team, and has only overstretched the team and funding. With Wallace leaving the team at the end of the 2020 season, RPM lost some long time sponsors, which in itself, will not help the team. On the bright side their new drivers, Erik Jones, could end the winless streak for RPM, and bring in new sponsors as well.
- Chip Ganassi Racing, [No. 1 / Kurt Busch, No. 42 / Ross Chastain], had a good start to 2021. That leads me to believe this could be an interesting season with Ross Chastain in his first full-time Cup Series ride. Kurt Busch will be Kurt Busch; you just can't change that.
- Trackhouse Racing, [No. 99 / Daniel Suárez] 2021 will be their debut season, but with the speed we’ve seen thus far, I think it’s fair to say, Suárez could bring the No. 99 to victory lane very soon. The Trackhouse team owners seem more invested into Suárez as a driver than any of the other teams he has raced for in the past, especially Joe Gibbs Racing.
- Spire Motorsports, [No. 7 / Corey LaJoie, No. 77 / Part-time], could be in for a win this season. With LaJoie behind the wheel of their full-time No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro, he could add some much needed consistency to the team. Justin Haley will return to the No. 77 as a part-time driver, but that doesn't mean he can't win again! It would be tough for either of these drivers to make it to victory lane, though I wouldn’t say it’s completely impossible!
This season there are the same number of Chevrolet teams in the NASCAR Cup Series as both Ford and Toyota have combined, and I am not even counting Rick Ware Racing or MBM Motorsports (sorry). Based on the movements we’ve seen in the off season, I would say this very well would be Chevrolet’s season to shine!
Here are my Top 10 Chevrolet drivers to watch out for in 2021:
- Chase Elliott
- Kurt Busch
- Kyle Larson
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
- Austin Dillon
- Ryan Preece
- Daniel Suarez
- Tyler Reddick
- Corey LaJoie
- Erik Jones
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