Joe Gibbs Racing heads into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season looking every bit like a championship favorite. After a near-title campaign in 2025 that produced 13 race wins, the Toyota powerhouse returns with all four driver and crew chief pairings intact — a major advantage in a year that reintroduces The Chase format. With a deep lineup that blends proven veterans and a rising star, JGR appears built to contend from Daytona through Phoenix.

Denny Hamlin once again leads the charge. Coming off a runner-up finish in the standings and a six-win season, Hamlin enters what could be one of his final years with momentum firmly on his side. The return of a points-based championship format plays directly into his strengths, rewarding consistency and volume of wins — two areas where Hamlin continues to excel. If the stars finally align, 2026 could be his best opportunity yet to capture a long-awaited first Cup title.

Chase Briscoe wasted no time establishing himself as a title threat in his first season with the organization. Three wins and a Championship 4 appearance highlighted a breakout year that only gained steam as the season progressed. With the learning curve behind him and chemistry fully formed with crew chief James Small, Briscoe should be a weekly contender from the opening races onward.

Christopher Bell remains one of the most reliable forces in the Cup Series. Pairing four wins with a series-best 22 top 10s among JGR drivers, Bell’s consistency continues to be his calling card. His partnership with Adam Stevens has already delivered multiple Championship 4 appearances, and a Chase-style format may finally be the missing ingredient for a deeper title push.

Ty Gibbs rounds out the lineup as the organization’s next potential star. While still chasing his first Cup victory, Gibbs showed meaningful progress in 2025, delivering strong results across a wide range of track types. With another year under crew chief Tyler Allen and continued growth in race management, Gibbs appears poised to take the next step and become a regular threat at the front of the field.

With stability, speed, and depth across all four teams, Joe Gibbs Racing enters 2026 in an enviable position. If execution matches potential, the organization should once again be at the center of the championship conversation all season long.