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What’s new in NASCAR 2018: New drivers, teams, numbers and more

By Nick Tylwalk

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 31: William Byron, driver of the #24 Liberty University Chevrolet during testing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for NASCAR)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 31: William Byron, driver of the #24 Liberty University Chevrolet during testing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for NASCAR) /
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NASCAR driver Chase Elliott talks about the on-track tire tests at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (Brad Loper/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS via Getty Images)
NASCAR driver Chase Elliott talks about the on-track tire tests at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (Brad Loper/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS via Getty Images) /

Chase Elliott

What’s new: Keeping up the family tradition with his new car number.

No one has made as much noise since last season without saying anything as Elliott, because everyone else is talking for or about him. His crew chief suggested he might race with more of an edge this year. Kurt Busch called him overrated since he hasn’t won any races yet.

Elliott would probably like to silence all the talk, but it’s not really his style to be outspoken in doing so. Instead, he’ll keep hunting that elusive first Cup Series victory in the No. 9 made famous by his father, Bill Elliott.

We’re not trying to say that a number change will all of a sudden land Elliott in Victory Lane, but any little bit of extra confidence or motivation can’t hurt a driver who was already knocking on the door several times in 2017. It’s also bound to be very popular with NASCAR fans, who just might make Elliott the man to carry the Most Popular Driver torch after Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Again, just like his dad.

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