Surprising Seasons of 2022

 Cup Drivers with the Most Surprising Seasons in 2022

The three drivers that stood out this season for consistency and overall gutsiness in no particular order are Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain.

Let's start with Tyler Reddick.

Although he was cut early in the playoffs, he showed a tenacity and clearly felt confident in the Next Gen car as he consistently showed well in laps led, top 5s, and stage points. Comparing his situation as a sitting duck, similar to Kyle Busch, it seemed that he was able to put that awkwardness behind him and give Richard Childress plenty of reasons to be proud. The week after he was no longer in contention for a championship, he dominated for victory at the crazy tire roulette show at Texas speedway that had everyone limping to the garage. Then he had a possible concussion exiting early from Martinsville saying his head "didn't feel right". He came back to race hard at Phoenix, which ungraciously dumped him into the wall for a third straight week to finish the season.

His superpower is Tenacity.

Next let's look at Christopher Bell.

He was showing up strong in the playoffs. but unlucky incidents seem to bump him to the bottom each round. The incredible moments that stood out for CBell was his near miraculous back to back must-wins at the Roval and Martinsville. It was incredible that he could come from the bottom of the point standings and pull off the wins under that kind of pressure. 

His superpower is Composure.

Bell's win at Martinsville, unfortunately will forever be overshadowed by the "move seen round the world". Which brings us to the third driver who surpassed expectations this year. 

Ross Chastain has climbed into stardom hood by leaps and bounds. He was what some thought to be an overly aggressive driver, who lacked control, consideration and would be paid back when playoffs came. But he actually cleaned up his act and let that hunger for victory take him to great lengths. Even sacrificing his ride and turn 4 of the Martinsville wall into a moment that will stand forever in sports history. Although he didn't win the title he for sure won some new fans who will be excited to follow him into 2023.

His superpower is Determination

@Mere.Bernhard