The quest begins as a multitude of drivers strap into their machines this season hoping and praying for a victory and the overall goal, a championship. Many competitors are seeking their first career win and championship, including Kyle Larson, Austin Dillon and other young rising stars. However, they’ll be competing against veterans of the sport, like Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and other former champions. Youth vs. experience will begin this season and it’s bound to be one of the best brawls NASCAR has ever witnessed. There’s only one question remaining. Who will prevail?
Jimmie Johnson will continue his dominant career after winning his sixth championship last season. The expectations won’t be raised this year for Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus, but certainly won’t be lowered. Johnson’s a championship away from being tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most championships in NASCAR history. However, talent is swarming through the racing ranks, meaning time could be running short for Johnson to tie Petty and Earnhardt. But, if there is anyone who can do it, it’s certainly Johnson.
Austin Dillon sails into NASCAR’s top series anticipating immediate success. He’s already made headlines when he and Grandfather Richard Childress decided to bring back the iconic No. 3 – which was driven by Dale Earnhardt and wasn’t expected to return to the series. He’s a former Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series champion and will attempt to become the first competitor to win a title in each of NASCAR’s top three divisions. Dillon and Larson will headline the rookie drivers this season but they’re just two of the seven ROY (Rookie of The Year) contenders. Regardless of the yellow stripes on his bumpter, many drivers don’t consider Dillon a rookie driver. He’s experienced and determined to become a successful driver and deliver the hardware back to Richard Childress Racing.  ‘
Johnson and Dillon are considered the leaders in their classes, obviously Johnson leading the veterans and Dillon the rookies. However, many other drivers won’t be defeated easily.
Below I’ve ranked the top five drivers, in my mind, that are the greatest in their classes at this juncture. We’re entitled to our opinion meaning if you don’t agree, then comment with your top five below!
Top Five Rookie Drivers
- Austin Dillon
- Kyle Larson
- Parker Kligerman
- Michael Annett
- Cole Whitt
 Top Five Veteran Drivers
- Jimmie Johnson
- Kevin Harvick
- Matt Kenseth
- Kyle Busch
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
