As the NASCAR Cup Series calendar continues to grow with a mix of traditional ovals and road courses, one thing has become clear — mastering the twists and turns of road racing is no longer optional for success. Gone are the days when road courses were treated as outliers; now, they are key battlegrounds that can make or break a season. Among the current roster of drivers, a select few have risen above the rest when it comes to conquering road courses.
Here’s a closer look at the active Cup Series drivers who’ve found victory lane on road circuits — and what makes them stand out.
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Chase Elliott: The King of Modern Road Racing
With seven career road course wins, Chase Elliott has cemented his place as the most dominant road racer in modern NASCAR. The 2020 Cup Series champion earned his first road win at Watkins Glen in 2018 and followed it up with victories at the Charlotte Roval, Daytona Road Course, and Circuit of The Americas (COTA), among others.
Elliott’s strength lies in his ability to manage braking zones and find grip late in a run. His clean, calculated driving style allows him to save tires while still applying pressure when it counts. Even when he’s not in the top five, he’s always a threat on any road layout.
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Kyle Larson: Precision and Power
Kyle Larson may not have as many road wins as Elliott, but his four victories are impressive, especially given the level of competition. Larson claimed wins at Sonoma Raceway, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval, showcasing his adaptability and aggressive style.
Known for pushing the car to the edge, Larson often gains ground in high-speed sections and uses late-braking maneuvers to complete passes that other drivers wouldn’t attempt. His 2021 season, which included multiple road course wins, proved he’s more than just an oval expert.
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Christopher Bell: The Quiet Assassin
Christopher Bell has quietly emerged as one of the most efficient road course drivers in the field. With two career road course wins, including a surprise victory at the Daytona Road Course in 2021 and another at the Charlotte Roval in 2022, Bell is building a strong résumé.
Bell’s background in dirt and midget racing helps him handle off-camber turns and shifting track conditions — essential skills for success on unpredictable road layouts. He may not always be a favorite, but he’s often there when it matters most.
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Tyler Reddick: Rising Road Course Star
With three road course wins in just a short span, Tyler Reddick has become one of the most exciting young drivers on road circuits. His 2022 wins at COTA and the Indy Road Course, followed by another strong showing at Sonoma, signaled his arrival as a serious contender in non-oval events.
Reddick’s fearlessness and ability to adapt mid-race make him a difficult opponent. He thrives in the chaos of late-race restarts and doesn’t shy away from tight corners or physical racing.
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A.J. Allmendinger: Road Course Specialist
Although he runs part-time in the Cup Series, A.J. Allmendinger cannot be left off this list. With two road course victories — including the 2014 win at Watkins Glen and a dramatic win at the Indy Road Course in 2021 — Allmendinger is a known road warrior.
His background in open-wheel and sports car racing gives him an edge in car control, and his experience on a variety of tracks makes him one of the most technical drivers in the field.
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The Road Ahead
As NASCAR continues to diversify its schedule with more road courses like COTA, the Chicago Street Race, and international stops like Mexico City, the importance of road course skill is only going to increase. Drivers who can consistently perform well on these tracks not only pad their win totals but also gain crucial playoff points.
The era of road course ringers may be fading, but the road course kings are very much alive — and leading the way into NASCAR’s evolving future.
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