I started this list last week here on the MotorSportsNews[dot]Net(work) and thought I would finish it.
Click HERE to check out the original article and let me know your thoughts there as well.
Here is my take on some of the other NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers to watch in 2009.
Martin Truex, Jr. – Truex had a sub par year last year as mechanical failures, a lack of speed and wrecks dogged him. After Earnhardt’s departure from DEI, Truex was top dog running with Menard, Regan Smith and part time with Almirola/Mark Martin. The addition of Montoya and the strong hand of Chip Ganassi should help in 09. The team has seen a lot of changes this year and sponsorship woes still dog the organization. If they can put all that behind them, Truex could challenge for a win or two as well as the Chase
My prediction: B
Elliott Sadler – after another lackluster year, Sadler was dumped from GEM in the off season but suddenly back in his ride after threatening a lawsuit. Can you see a stormy relationship in the offing? Now that GEM is Richard Petty Motorsports, I am not sure Sadler will do much better than last year. I am not sure they have the equipment, the organization or if Sadler has the talent.
My prediction: C+ ESad may get ticked off and go off on a contract run for 2010. Or not.
Kasey Kahne – Kahne broke my fantasy league heart last year. Arguably the most talented driver at RPM this year, my issues with the organization make me wonder how much better he will be in 09. But the Dodge’s finally got a new front clip (nose) and that may be all he needs to win a race or two more.
My prediction: B+ I look for Kasey to win more this year and challenge for the Chase.
Denny Hamlin – What the heck happened to Hamlin last year? Was he trying to hard to be Kyle Busch? He seemed awfully frustrated and did nothing in the Chase. His only win came early in the year, but at least he did make the Chase. His 18 top ten finishes kept in the point standings as he had only 7 top fives. He will make the Chase again this year, but only if he can improve his lot.
My prediction: B-
Kyle Busch – OK, this is the big question: can he replicate last year? Who knows. If anyone can, it could be the mercurial Shrub. With Stewart’s leaving, Kyle is the best driver at Gibbs and I am sure he is on a mission to prove (again) how talented he is and make up for laying an egg in the chase last year.
My prediction: A Gibbs has a very young team. That could be good or bad.
David Reutimann – One of the most improved drivers in 2008, he moved from finishing 39th in 2007 to 22nd last year. The only consistent bright spot at Michael Waltrip Racing, he was rumored to be looking for greener pastures but stayed loyal to Mikey.
My prediction: B+ I see him building on last year and leaving MWR at the end of 2009.
Jamie McMurray – Jamie Mac seemed to find a groove at the end of the year as he almost always does. He moved up one position from 2007 but that is not what he is being paid the big moola for. Roush also has to get rid of one team in 2010 and the under performing 26 might just be the team.
My prediction: B Look for a contract run. His career depends on it.
Greg Biffle – The Biff had a pretty good year and came on string out of the gates in the Chase, but he fizzled and wound up running a distant third. In ‘07 he finished 14th, 13th in ’06, 2nd in ’05. 17th in 04 and 20th in 03. Hmmmm. He could be the bubble team at Roush if he is not careful.
My prediction: C- I hate to say this, but Biffle is due for an off year.
Carl Edwards – Smilin’ Carl ran smack dab into destiny last year. And the guy proved he could wheel the new car. This year, the sports most buff dude could win it all. Unless he totally ticks off the rest of the garage and they wreck him at every turn.
My prediction: A+
Those are a few of my thoughts for the year, let me know yours here in the comments section.
Keep the shiny side up!
Chucka@turnleftracing.com
Where’s Harvick?
I did not include Harvick as well as many other drivers. Had to cut off somewhere and focus on drivers I thought were going through major shifts. I lump Harvick and Burton in the same boat. I don’t expect anything more than last year unless RCR finds some speed. If they do not, they might not even live up to 2008. Of course, with that I am assuming others will do better and RCR may not. But a wreck here, a blown engine there…. they may still find themselves in Victory Lane a couple of times and possibly competing for the Chase. But they need more speed to really make an impact. C