Within the past few years, we’ve seen the departure of veterans like Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch, and while that has happened, we’ve seen NASCAR’s young guns take over the Cup Series. But even more talent is on the way. Here are the 10 most promising drivers still climbing the ranks in the “Minor Leagues” of NASCAR.

1. Chandler Smith (Xfinity Series) – 21-year-old Chandler Smith has quickly established himself as the next young phenom ready to take the NASCAR world by storm. Driving the No. 16 for Kaulig Racing, Smith wasted no time finding success in the Truck Series with two wins in 2021 followed by five more victories in 2022. Smith drives with an aggressive style reminiscent of Kyle Busch. He’s not afraid to nudge the competition out of the way and make bold moves in the draft. Smith also displays patience beyond his years, knowing when to bide his time before pouncing to the front. Growing up in Georgia racing late models, Smith has been groomed for NASCAR stardom from an early age. He claimed the ARCA Menard’s Series championship in 2020 through a dominating eight-win campaign. With his raw talent and maturity, Chandler Smith is ready for prime time. Look for him to find even more success driving for one of the top teams. More wins and a series championship seem inevitable as Smith climbs the NASCAR ladder. The future is bright for this young gun now firing on all cylinders.

2. Corey Heim (Truck Series) – 21-year-old Corey Heim wasted no time making an impression in his first full-time season racing in the NASCAR Truck Series. Driving the No. 51 Toyota Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports, Heim scored two wins and delivered 10 top-five finishes en route to 2022 Rookie of the Year honors. Hailing from Georgia, Heim gained experience racing late models across the Southeast before Kyle Busch signed him to a development deal. He showed potential by winning six times in the ARCA Menards Series in 2021. In Trucks, Heim displays patience and precision beyond his years. He delivered remarkably consistent results while also showing the ability to wheel his Toyota to victory lane. Thanks to other-worldly car control and a methodical approach, this talented teenager has all the makings of a future star. Corey Heim has turned heads with his meteoric rise, but it seems safe to assume the best is yet to come from this phenom on the rise.

3. Sam Mayer (Xfinity Series) – In Sam Mayer, JR Motorsports has a budding young star with all the tools to become a future NASCAR champion. Mayer joined the team at just 17 years old in 2021 and quickly made an impact in the Xfinity Series. While he hit some rookie bumps, the now 20-year-old Mayer still showcased breathtaking car control and a willingness to race hard. Now, with four years of experience under his belt, Mayer is ready to recapture the winning form from last season. Mayer pairs supreme confidence with his considerable raw talent. Growing up racing everything from go-karts to super late models, he’s been preparing for the big time his whole life. That lifetime immersion in racing gives Mayer an intuitive feel for the car that can’t be taught. Don’t let his age fool you – Sam Mayer has future superstar written all over him. Expect Mayer to find victory lane again soon as he keeps climbing the NASCAR ranks. This young gun is eager to show the Xfinity Series grid he’s still seriously fast.

4. Sammy Smith (Xfinity Series) – 19-year-old “prodigy” Sammy Smith has wasted no time showing he will be a future force in NASCAR, driving for JR Motorsports this year after moving from Joe Gibbs, Smith took home 2023 Rookie of the Year honors on the strength of six top-10 finishes. And he punctuated his debut campaign by winning in just his fourth start at Phoenix Raceway. He also captured the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East championship in his first full season competing in stock cars. Smith drives with confidence and feeling for the car that belies his age. He adapted seamlessly to the Xfinity Series his first season, using patience and precision passing ability to deliver results. JR Motorsports appears to have uncovered yet another young phenom. Keep your eyes locked on Sammy Smith as he takes the next step toward NASCAR stardom. With blinding speed and maturity beyond his years, this talented teenager is primed to become a household name in the not-so-distant future.

5. Austin Hill (Xfinity Series) – With over five seasons, and only two as full-time, already under his belt in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Austin Hill is an established veteran at NASCAR’s triple-A level. The 28-year-old has continued to build his resume, earning his first two career Xfinity Series wins in 2022 to go along with twenty-seven top-5 finishes over the past two seasons alone. Entering 2024, Hill brings a steady, smooth driving style honed over years of Xfinity competition. He has shown mastery of superspeedways, winning at Daytona, along with the ability to strategize on fuel mileage. Hill now reunites with veteran crew chief Andy Street, bringing continuity to the No. 21 car. While he initially got started in NASCAR’s national series later than some, Hill has proven to be a quick study. He has improved his points standings in each successive Xfinity Series season, finishing a career-best fifth in 2022. Now, with Richard Childress Racing’s full support in 2024, Hill looks to cap off his ascent with a run at the series championship. With a long-term deal in place, the experienced Austin Hill has time to further refine his skills in 2024 and finally achieve that elusive first NASCAR Xfinity Series title. He has the veteran moxie and RCR equipment to make it happen.

6. Sheldon Creed (Xfinity Series) – After dominating the Truck Series competition the last three seasons, Sheldon Creed is looking at becoming one of the dominant guys in the Xfinity Series. Creed burst onto the scene by winning five Truck races in 2020 and the season championship. Now, the 25-year-old has set his sights on Xfinity Series stardom. Creed brings an aggressive, exciting style of racing perfect for the intermediate tracks that dominate the schedule. He also showed speed at road courses in Trucks, winning at Circuit of the Americas. While Creed didn’t seem to have a fair shot with RCR, he now gets to pilot JGR Toyotas with more overall speed and further refined handling. Creed already knows how to go to victory lane, but can first-time crew chief Sam McAulay take his game to the next level? After learning the ropes quickly at RCR, Sheldon Creed appears ready to take the Xfinity Series by storm with his new powerhouse team behind him. Expect this talented wheelman to compete for wins immediately and battle for the series championship as he continues his ascent up the NASCAR ranks.

7. Rajah Caruth (Truck Series) – In just a few short years, Rajah Caruth has become one of the brightest rising stars on the NASCAR horizon. The Washington D.C. native’s rapid ascent to the Truck Series has made him a trailblazer with immense potential. Now, with Spire Motorsports, the 21-year-old has all eyes on him. Despite Caruth’s sudden rise through the ranks at a young age, he has kept his composure on track. Rajah combines a cerebral approach with aggressive driving in the heat of battle. His ability to manage nerves and make smart decisions shows wisdom beyond his years in the race car. With the markings of both a consistent contender and a quick study behind the wheel, Rajah Caruth looks destined for future stardom as NASCAR’s next rising talent. This young driver remains cool under pressure and hungry to keep climbing the ladder.

8. Carson Kvapil (CARS Tour) – At just 20 years old, second-generation driver Carson Kvapil is already making a name for himself in the NASCAR feeder system following in his father’s racing footsteps. Kvapil demonstrated immense promise by finishing twelfth at Bristol, in his only Truck Series start in 2023, after honing his skills in the CARS Tour. Hailing from Mooresville, North Carolina, and born into a racing family, Kvapil wasted no time finding success across several stock car ranks while also competing on dirt tracks across the region. He scored an eye-opening nine wins and two championships in the CARS Tour over the last two years, showing veteran poise for his age. Behind the wheel, Carson displays the smooth style and patient approach of a seasoned veteran. He adapts quickly to new cars and tracks, able to capably wheel both the Late Model and Truck machines to the front. Learning the ropes under his championship-winning father, Travis only accelerates Carson’s development. With blinding speed and maturity beyond his 20 years, this second-generation talent is well on his way to NASCAR success. If early returns are any indicator, expect Carson Kvapil’s racing career to take after his old man’s. Stardom awaits this promising prospect.

9. Parker Retzlaff (Xfinity Series) – At just 20 years old, Parker Retzlaff is already turning heads and showing he could become NASCAR’s next phenom. Driving a partial Xfinity Series schedule for a handful of teams in 2022, Retzlaff wasted no time finding success, notching an impressive top-10 finish in his second race at Richmond. Hailing from Wisconsin, Retzlaff gained experience across several short-track ranks in the Midwest to prepare for his national touring series opportunity. Keep your eyes locked on this talented driver – he appears well on his way to adding his name to that storied list of Wisconsin greats.

10. Jake Garcia (Truck Series) – After transitioning from dirt racing to the NASCAR Truck Series, 18-year-old Jake Garcia is a unique prospect blazing his trail to stock car success. Competing for ThorSport Racing, Garcia brings a fearless style forged atop dirt tracks across the country. Initially racing midgets and micro sprints on dirt since age 11, Garcia has quickly adapted to pounding fenders on the pavement along with shifting gears in trucks. He posted three top 5s in a handful of Truck Series starts late last season. While making his biggest strides on dirt, Garcia showed enough promise for ThorSport to invest in his development. With a dirt background unlike most prospects, this teenage rookie nonetheless boasts the car control, bravery, and maturity needed to succeed. Don’t be surprised if Jake Garcia is hoisting trophies soon as he continues blazing his own path up the NASCAR ladder.