Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 30 Days
- Adam Carabine
- 6 minutes ago
- 1 min read
By Adam Carabine
Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
No. 47 Car – Hyak Motorsports
2025 Stats
Standings | 30th |
Wins | 0 |
Points | 562 |
Stage Points | 49 |
Stage Wins | 0 |
Laps Led | 8 |
Lead Lap Finishes | 21 |
Average Finish | 22.9 |
DNFs | 4 |
Races Since Last Win | 41 |
What Does Success Look Like in 2026?
With the change in format, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s hopes of making the playoffs have faded significantly. In years past, the win-and-you’re-in format allowed him to try and get a victory at a drafting track, and earn a spot in the playoffs. This year, his hopes for the playoffs are likely dashed, but he could still challenge for a win at any of the drafting tracks. Finishing 30th in the points last season, Stenhouse should aim for a Top-25 finish in 2026.
Best-Case Scenario in 2026?
Stenhouse wins multiple races, all at drafting tracks, and the newly adjusted 55-pts for a race winner give him just enough to sneak into The Chase in 16th position.
Most Likely Outcome in 2026?
Stenhouse and Hyak Motorsports don’t seem to have enough consistently good equipment, performance, or even luck to hope for multiple wins. He’ll likely finish either with zero or one win on the season.
Bold Prediction?
Stenhouse loses even more consistency and falls out of the Top 30 in points, then loses his seat for 2027.
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