2021 NASCAR Cup Series Season Recap

Originally published on Nov. 7, 2021

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, November 7th, 2021, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded with Kyle Larson defeating Martin Truex Jr. by 5 points to win the 73rd championship in Cup Series history. It was the first Cup Series championship for Larson. Kyle Larson claimed the regular season championship.

The 2021 Daytona 500 was won by Michael McDowell, while Denny Hamlin led the most laps with 98.

2021 playoff results

Out in Round 1

#10 Aric Almirola

#8 Tyler Reddick

#1 Kurt Busch

#34 Michael McDowell

Out in Round 2

#4 Kevin Harvick

#20 Christopher Bell

#24 William Byron

#48 Alex Bowman

Out in Round 3

#2 Brad Keselowski

#12 Ryan Blaney

#22 Joey Logano

#18 Kyle Busch

Final Four

4. #9 Chase Elliott (-8, Finished 5th in final race)

Elliott finished fourth in the standings as he had two victories, 15 top-fives and 21 top-10s, leading the most laps in three races.

3. #11 Denny Hamlin (-6 , Finished 3rd in final race)

Hamlin claimed third in the standings with a pair of wins, 19 top-fives and 25 top-10s, along with leading the most laps in five races.

2. #19 Martin Truex Jr. (-5, Finished 2nd in final race)

Truex picked up the runner-up spot in points with four wins, 13 top-fives and 20 top-10s, as he would also lead the most laps in three races.

1. #5 Kyle Larson (Won final race)

Larson earned the title on the strength of 10 victories, 20 top-fives and 26 top-10s, leading the most laps in an impressive 14 races.

Race Winners (left) & Lap Leaders (right)

 

Link to stats database: https://www.racing-reference.info/yeardet/2021/W