Stamp it. MTJ will repeat.

All hail your 2018 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series champion, Martin Truex Jr. Yes, we’re five races into the season and I’m saying that now.

Truex scored his first win of the season at Auto Club (his first at the track) in dominating fashion, leading the most laps and winning all three stages.

While Truex’s season up to this point has been relatively quiet, his finishes tell a different story. He has the most top 5 finishes this season among all drivers with four and has the points lead (not counting the playoff grid of course).

Not only that, but his season so far has been somehow better than last year’s championship-winning season five races in. In 2017, MTJ had just two top 5 finishes and a win through Auto Club. He also has the second-most amount of playoff points with seven, though with favorable tracks coming up soon, I see Truex taking the top spot in that category from Kevin Harvick.

His team has also climbed back from self-inflicted adversity this year. At Atlanta, Truex had to start at the rear of the field after failing inspection three times; his car chief was also suspended and pit problems plagued Truex throughout the day. However, he fought back to a fifth-place finish.

Prior to the beginning of the season, I said Truex would win six races and win the championship and accordingly chose him for my fantasy team. But with these early stats, it wouldn’t surprise me if he wins eight races or more again this year. I have always been a fan of consistency throughout the season, and even though the playoff system favors winners over consistency, consistency still shows how strong a case a driver has in winning championships.

For Truex, last year was about both, and I foresee the same this year. The numbers don’t lie.