Here’s a fun fact about the 2016 Sprint Cup season. Jimmie Johnson, who won his record-tying seventh championship, only had the tenth-best average finish in the series among full-time drivers.
In 36 races, Johnson recorded an average finish of 14th. It’s his second worst total in the stat since he became a full-time driver in 2002.
Kevin Harvick led the series with an average finish of 9.9, the third-best total of his career behind his 8.7 total in 2015 and 2010.
Here’s a look at the top 15 average finishes among full-time drivers in 2016 and how the totals compare to the best for each driver.
Kevin Harvick - 9.9; Career best: 8.7 (2015, 2010)
Joey Logano - 10.5; Career best: 9.2 (2015)
Kyle Busch - 11.5; Career best: 10.8 (2015)
Brad Keselowski - 11.5; Career best: 10.1 (2012)
Denny Hamlin - 11.8 (Career best)
Kurt Busch - 12.0; Career best: 11.1 (2015)
Matt Kenseth - 13.8; Career best: 9.8 (2006)
Carl Edwards - 13.9; Career best: 9.3 (2011)
Martin Truex Jr. 13.9; Career best: 12.1 (2012)
Jimmie Johnson - 14.0; Career best: 9.7 (2006)
Chase Elliott - 14.6 (Rookie season)
Kyle Larson - 14.7; Career best: 14.2 (2014)
Kasey Kahne - 15.6; Career best: 13.1 (2012)
Ryan Newman - 15.7; Career best: 12.7 (2014)
Jamie McMurray - 15.8; Career best: 13.2 (2004)