Ranking 3 drivers with the most DNFs during the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season ft. Joey Logano
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Joey Logano claiming his third title and clinching Team Penske's third consecutive Premier level trophy. He was followed by his teammate Ryan Blaney in second place, who eyed defending his 2023 title but fell shy by over a second.
It's worth mentioning that the title didn't come easy for the #22 Ford driver. He braved multiple DNFs this past season to keep himself in contention and posted wins when the situation demanded. With that being said, the following are three drivers who suffered from the brutal DNF fate, not once or twice, but more than five times.
#1. NASCAR Cup Series rookie Josh Berry
Josh Berry entered his rookie season with Stewart-Haas Racing, replacing Kevin Harvick in the #4 Ford, with crew chief Rodney Childres calling the shots. Berry earned two top-5s and four top-10s, with the best finish of P3 at Darlington Raceway and at the non-points paying All-Star Race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway.
However, his #4 Ford succumbed to a whopping 10 DNFs. While all of Berry's DNFs were attributed to an accident, the Sonoma disappointment knocked on his doors because of a suspension problem, and the Kansas DNF was awarded under the Damaged Vehicle Policy.
#2. Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney was the best-performing Team Penske driver in the regular season, claiming two wins and securing his playoff spot. The defending champion had an unwelcoming entry this season, marred by a DNF at the opening race hosted by the Daytona International Speedway. The tally of DNFs stretched to seven after he got collected on Lap 1 at Watkins Glen International.
Despite the setbacks, Blaney stayed among the championship hopefuls and aced the Martinsville race to punch his Phoenix ticket. However, he couldn't outduel his teammate and failed to defend his title.
#3. Joey Logano
The 2024 Cup Series champion's regular season didn't exhibit that he would claim a third Cup title and his five DNFs during the 26-race period nearly put him in danger of missing out on the playoffs.
However, Logano's win at the Nashville Superspeedway propelled him, and from there on, he performed remarkably in the crucial races -winning the playoff opener in Atlanta, triumphing in the Las Vegas race to punch the Championship 4 ticket, and finally, winning the Championship race.
It's worth mentioning that the Team Penske driver was dropped below the playoff elimination line following his sixth and final DNF at Talladega, couldn't make it through in the next race hosted by the Charlotte Roval, and was out of the title. However, Alex Bowman's DNF reinstated Logano and he capitalized on the opportunity to become the only active NASCAR driver with three titles.