It could also spell trouble for Martin Truex Jr. as he attempts to defend his Cup Series crown from last season.
NASCAR drivers have had plenty of superstitions over the years, but it’s a pretty safe bet that none of them think that what happens in another sport affects outcomes on the track. That said, there’s a pretty interesting trend that suggests Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin or even Chase Elliott could be in line to break through for a Cup Series championship in 2018.
Dustin Long of NBC Sports noted today that the last three times the New England Patriots made the Super Bowl — win or lose — the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season gave us a first-time champion.
"Consider:In 2017, the Patriots won the Super Bowl and Martin Truex Jr. won his first Cup title.In 2015, the Patriots won the Super Bowl and Kyle Busch won his first Cup title.In 2012, the Patriots played in the Super Bowl (losing to the New York Giants) and Brad Keselowski won his first Cup title."
That obviously worked to Truex’s benefit just last year, a victory some could see coming in terms of his improving performance but probably wouldn’t have bet on prior to the season.
So with tongue at least partially in cheek, let’s see who that trend could benefit this season. None of last year’s Championship 4 drivers can take advantage, as Truex (obviously!), Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski all have Cup Series championship trophies already on their mantles.
Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott were the top two drivers in the final standings without a title to their names at the top level, and while you can’t count either man out, we’d suggest that neither inspired the kind of “oh man, this guy might only be a season away” feeling that Truex did between 2016 and 2017.
Next: Vegas thinks Kyle Busch is the favorite for the 2018 Cup Series championship
You know who did? Kyle Larson, who looked much improved at a variety of tracks, won four races after only having one to his name going into the season and might have been an engine failure away from pushing Truex all the way to Homestead. If you’re looking for a driver who could benefit from the hand of fate, that’s your guy.
Now if someone can just ask Larson whether or not he believes in such omens, we’d be much obliged.