Winning in the NASCAR Cup Series is no easy feat. Some drivers spend years chasing that elusive first victory. From young rookies to seasoned veterans, these 10 drivers have come close but haven’t sealed the deal—yet. With the right circumstances, one of them could be the next to celebrate in Victory Lane.

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Cody Ware has one top-five and two top-10 finishes, driving for Rick Ware Racing—the only full-time Cup team without a win. While he’s yet to finish better than 24th this season, he has led 10 laps in his career. Ware remains winless in 146 national series starts, but time is still on his side.

10. Cody Ware (111 Career Starts)

Ty Dillon has been a steady presence in the Cup Series, earning two top-fives and seven top-10s. His best finish this season was 14th at Daytona. Kaulig Racing has won before with AJ Allmendinger, and Dillon hopes to add his name to that list. He’s already won in Xfinity and Trucks, so a Cup win isn’t out of reach.

9. Ty Dillon (250 Career Starts)

Riley Herbst is still early in his Cup career but has already secured two top-10 finishes. While his best finish this year has been 17th, he’s consistently in the mix. With three Xfinity wins to his name, Herbst has shown he knows how to find Victory Lane—it’s just a matter of time in the Cup Series.

Riley Herbst

8. Riley Herbst (13 Career Starts)

John Hunter Nemechek had a rough season at Legacy Motor Club, but things are looking up. Sitting 15th in the standings, he’s in a better position to fight for wins. He’s already won 11 times in Xfinity and 13 times in Trucks, proving he can get the job done. Now, it’s about translating that success into Cup.

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7. John Hunter Nemechek (82 Career Starts)

Zane Smith has two top-fives and six top-10s in Cup competition. His rookie season at Spire was tough, but he showed improvement late in the year. Now back with Front Row Motorsports—the team he won a Truck Series championship with—Smith has a real chance to take that next step toward his first Cup win.

Zane Smith

6. Zane Smith (50 Career Starts)

Noah Gragson has the talent to win, but he needs to lead more laps to be a serious threat. With two top-fives and nine top-10s, he’s shown potential, but his 17 career laps led suggest he still has work to do. However, his 13 Xfinity wins and two Truck victories prove he knows how to close the deal.

6. Noah Gragson – No. 4, Front Row Motorsports (75 Starts)

5. Noah Gragson (80 Career Starts)

Todd Gilliland is considered the leader at Front Row Motorsports, with one top-five and 11 top-10s. He’s led 148 laps in his career, making him one of the more experienced drivers on this list. With three Truck Series wins under his belt, he has the foundation to take that next step in the Cup.

3. Todd Gilliland – No. 34, Front Row Motorsports (108 Starts)

4. Todd Gilliland (113 Career Starts)

Carson Hocevar has been one of the most competitive drivers on this list, earning two top-fives and seven top-10s. He’s also picked up stage points in five races this season, showing he can run up front. With four Truck Series wins before moving to Cup, Hocevar’s breakthrough win seems more like a “when” than an “if.”

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3. Carson Hocevar (50 Career Starts)

Ryan Preece has been in the Cup for a while, but his move to RFK Racing has revitalized his career. With five top-fives, 17 top-10s, and 219 laps led, he’s been close before. Sitting 18th in points, Preece has a chance to capitalize if the right opportunity comes his way. He’s won in both Xfinity and Trucks—now he just needs to win in Cup.

2. Ryan Preece – No. 60, RFK Racing (187 Starts)

2. Ryan Preece (192 Career Starts)

Ty Gibbs has had a rough season, currently 34th in points, but don’t let that fool you. With 12 top-fives, 23 top-10s, and 531 laps led in his young career, Gibbs has been knocking on the door of Victory Lane. The 2022 Xfinity champion won 12 races in just 65 starts at that level, proving he has the talent to win in the Cup—it’s just a matter of time.