In the tough and thrilling world of NASCAR short tracks, only the most resilient drivers can navigate the mayhem. It takes a mix of precision, aggression, and consistency to reign supreme in these close-quarters, fender-banging showdowns. Let’s dive into a countdown of the top 15 short-track stars in the Next Gen era, where Chase Elliott just misses out on the top spot by the tiniest of margins of 0.1.

Top 15 Short Track Kings in Next Gen of NASCAR, Chase Elliott Misses Out by 0.1

Bubba Wallace quietly carves out his place with three top-5 finishes and five top-10s in 17 short-track races. While he hasn’t snagged a win yet, he’s led 105 laps and achieved a best finish of P3, proving he’s more than capable in these intense, gritty battles.

Rank 14- Bubba Wallace

15. Bubba Wallace: Avg Finish: 14.6

In just eight short-track starts, Josh Berry has made quite an impression. With a P2 finish and 69 laps led, he’s shown some real flashes of talent. His six top-20 finishes suggest that if given more opportunities, Berry could really shine on the short tracks.

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14. Josh Berry: Avg Finish: 14.5

Chase Briscoe thrives on determination, racking up two top-5s and six top-10s. He’s led 142 laps over 17 races, proving to be a tough competitor once he finds his groove. His best finish of P4 showcases the steady growth in his short-track journey.

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13. Chase Briscoe: Avg Finish: 14.0

Buescher’s two wins highlight his ability to seal the deal. Even with an average starting position of 18.0, he’s clawed his way to seven top-10 finishes while leading 291 laps. He’s a short-track sleeper, always poised to strike when it counts.

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12. Chris Buescher: Avg Finish: 13.3

Aric Almirola makes his mark with five top-10 finishes across 10 races, including a notable runner-up finish. He’s led 102 laps, flying under the radar but consistently delivering solid results, showcasing his veteran composure amid the short-track frenzy.

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11. Aric Almirola: Avg Finish: 12.7

In his farewell tour, Harvick snagged a win on a short track and racked up three top-5 finishes in just 10 races. With 75 laps led and a top finish of P1, this seasoned pro showed the younger drivers how it’s done, closing out a legendary career on short tracks.

10. Kevin Harvick: Avg Finish: 12.3

Ross Chastain is known for his aggressive yet strategic driving style. He managed to secure four top-5 finishes and seven top-10s. Even though he only led 127 laps, he avoided any DNFs, proving that there’s more to his short-track skills than just door-slamming.

9. Ross Chastain: Avg Finish: 12.2

As a wildcard entry, Shane van Gisbergen made a splash in his single start, finishing 12th after starting from 29th. His debut hinted at great potential, and fans are eager to see if he’ll take on more short-track races in the future.

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8. Shane van Gisbergen: Avg Finish: 12.0

Logano may not have any wins this season, but he’s a consistent presence on short tracks with five top-5 finishes and 11 top-10s. He led 339 laps over 17 races, and while two DNFs affected his stats, there’s no doubt about his ability to stay competitive.

7. Joey Logano: Avg Finish: 11.9

Byron’s two wins highlight his growing prowess on short tracks. With five top-5 finishes and 590 laps led, he’s consistently in the mix. His impressive average start of 8.8 often helps him dodge the chaos that can unfold behind him.

William Byron

6. William Byron: Avg Finish: 11.5

Blaney has built a solid short-track reputation with three wins, six top-5s, and 537 laps led. He knows how to be in the right place at the right time, achieving a best finish of P1 while only once dropping to 30th in 17 races.

8. Ryan Blaney

5. Ryan Blaney: Avg Finish: 10.8

Once a dirt racing ace, Bell has now made a name for himself as a short-track specialist. He boasts one win and seven top-5 finishes, having led a remarkable 736 laps. While his average starting position of 14.3 means he often has to battle his way to the front, he consistently delivers when it counts.

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4. Christopher Bell: Average Finish: 10.1

A true showman on the track, Larson has racked up three wins and 11 top-5 finishes, along with an impressive 1,135 laps led. With a best finish of first place and no DNFs to his name, Larson's mastery of short tracks makes him a formidable competitor, race after race.

Kyle Larson

3. Kyle Larson: Average Finish: 7.6

Elliott narrowly misses the top spot by just 0.1, despite having 13 top-10 finishes and leading 532 laps. Although he hasn't secured a win yet, his consistency keeps him in the mix, regularly running at the front. His best finish of second place highlights just how close he’s been to claiming victory.

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2. Chase Elliott: Average Finish: 7.5

The reigning champion of short tracks, Hamlin has four wins and has led 1,025 laps. With 12 top-5 finishes in 17 races and no DNFs, he showcases his dominance through skill and composure, proving time and again why he sets the standard in Next Gen short-track racing.