The Daytona 500 is almost here, which means NASCAR is officially back. Engines are firing, teams are rolling into race mode, and before long the attention will turn to Dover Motor Speedway and the NASCAR All-Star Race at The Monster Mile.

If you’re planning to be here, having a favorite driver makes a big difference. You don’t need to know every stat or follow the series year-round, but having someone to pull for gives the race a heartbeat. Every restart feels bigger and every pass matters more. You’re not just watching cars go around, you’re invested.

One of the best parts of NASCAR is how many different kinds of drivers there are. Some race hard from the drop of the green flag, while others rely on experience and patience. Some are just getting started and others already know what it takes to win championships. No matter how you like to watch racing, there is a driver who fits your style.

Here’s a quick guide to help you find one: 

Aggressive Drivers

Drivers who don’t wait around and aren’t afraid to set the tone early.

Joey Logano, 35, Middletown, Connecticut | No. 22 Ford, Team Penske
A three-time Cup Series champion who races like every lap matters and never hesitates to go for the win, especially when the pressure is at its highest.

Ross Chastain, 33, Alva, Florida | No. 1 Chevrolet, Trackhouse Racing
Always on the attack, Chastain is constantly looking for opportunities and has a knack for keeping himself in the mix near the front, no matter what it takes.

Carson Hocevar, 23, Portage, Michigan | No. 77 Chevrolet, Spire Motorsports
Young, fearless, and confident: Hocevar isn’t afraid to race anyone hard and doesn't care about making friends. 

Veteran Drivers

Experience, patience, and knowing how a race unfolds defines this group.

Kyle Busch, 40, Las Vegas, Nevada | No. 8 Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing
A two-time champion whose intensity and adaptability makes him dangerous anywhere, especially on tough tracks like Dover where he has enjoyed success.

Brad Keselowski, 41, Rochester Hills, Michigan | No. 6 Ford, RFK Racing
A former champion and owner-driver who races with a big-picture mindset and knows how to capitalize when opportunities appear.

Denny Hamlin, 45, Chesterfield, Virginia | No. 11 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing
One of the most consistent drivers of his generation, known for smooth control and a deep understanding of race management. Hamlin has won the last two Dover races. 

Proven Stars

Drivers you can trust to be part of the conversation when it matters.

Chase Elliott, 30, Dawsonville, Georgia | No. 9 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports
A former champion and all-time fan favorite. Elliott holds a strong track record at Dover and is almost always a factor.

Ryan Blaney, 32, Hartford Township, Ohio | No. 12 Ford, Team Penske
The 2023 Cup Series champion who blends aggression with patience and seems to always show up when the race is on the line.

Christopher Bell, 30, Norman, Oklahoma | No. 20 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing
A calculated driver who builds his race quietly and knows exactly when to make his move.

Underdog Drivers

Drivers who earn respect by grinding it out and making the most of every opportunity.

Ryan Preece, 35, Berlin, Connecticut | No. 60 Ford, RFK Racing
A hard-charging driver who never gives an inch and consistently gets more out of his car than expected.

Josh Berry, 35, Hendersonville, Tennessee | No. 21 Ford, Wood Brothers Racing
A short-track racer at heart who earned his way to the Cup Series and keeps proving he belongs.

Calculated / Precision Racers

Smart, composed drivers who know when to push and when to wait.

Kyle Larson, 33, Elk Grove, California | No. 5 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports
A two-time champion with unreal car control and the ability to adapt to whatever a race throws at him. Highly regarded as one of the best. 

William Byron, 28, Charlotte, North Carolina | No. 24 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports
Quietly one of the most efficient drivers in the field, Byron puts together clean races and cashes in late.

Chase Briscoe, 31, Mitchell, Indiana | No. 19 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing
A calculated driver who focuses on timing, execution, and being in the right place when it matters.

Young Up-and-Comers

The next wave of NASCAR talent.

Ty Gibbs, 23, Charlotte, North Carolina | No. 54 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing
A fast learner who’s already running near the front and showing signs of becoming a regular contender.

Connor Zilisch, 19, Mooresville, North Carolina | No. 88 Chevrolet, Trackhouse Racing
One of the sport’s most talked-about young prospects, with early success that has a lot of eyes on what comes next.

International Stars

Drivers bringing global backgrounds to NASCAR.

Shane van Gisbergen, 36, Auckland, New Zealand | No. 97 Chevrolet, Trackhouse Racing
A Supercars champion whose transition to NASCAR has shown just how quickly elite talent can translate.

Daniel Suárez, 34, Monterrey, Mexico | No. 7 Chevrolet, Spire Motorsports
The first Mexican-born Cup Series winner, known for steady racing and a journey that’s earned plenty of respect.

There’s no right or wrong way to pick a favorite driver. Some fans love drivers who go for it early. Others gravitate toward veterans or drivers still trying to make their mark. What matters is finding someone whose style or story gives you a reason to care once the green flag drops.

At Dover Motor Speedway, the racing is fast, physical, and unforgiving. Having a driver to follow makes every lap around The Monster Mile feel more personal and every moment more intense. With the NASCAR All-Star Race coming to Dover this May, now’s the perfect time to pick your driver and get ready to cheer him on.