Subscribe to this blog's feed« Closing the books on 2009 | Main | The most popular driver »
November 30, 2009
The champion after Jimmie
By DAVID GREEN
Seems to me that this is a quieter beginning to the brief off-season than usual. The hottest story going is whether Chad Knaus is going to re-up with Hendrick, and that's almost a week old.
Of course, there's always Danica. The story confirming Danica's signing with Andretti Autosport for three more years included the obligatory "no news about a move to NASCAR" boilerplate paragraph.
But we don't need no stinkin' hard news in order to discuss our favorite subject. So, thanks to my buddy Paul Borden for this suggestion: Which driver is most likely to succeed -- as in, succeed Jimmie Johnson as Cup champion?
Paul offered his own thoughts:
"A former winner: I pick Kurt Busch. Thought he finished the year well and appears to be getting his act back together. The crew should be more settled, too.
"First-time winner: Denny Hamlin. Imagine if he had managed top 15 finishes or maybe even just top 20s instead of those DNFs in the chase.
"Popular: Greg Biffle.
"Sentimental: Mark Martin, of course. (He's also popular)."
Some good thoughts, and interestingly organized. Here's my response to Paul:
Carl Edwards. This year was so off for him, if next year is just average, he'll be a contender.
Jeff Gordon. Gordo will either get back into solid contention next year or he's done. (Sure wish he'd give US F1 a fling.
Mark Martin. For sentimental reasons, as you mentioned, but also because the old guy is still very, very good.
Kurt Busch is another good pick, if the Penske team can sort out whatever it was that led Pat Tryson to quit and come up with a good replacement. The Biff may well be right there with Cousin Carl, if the Fords get their stuff together. Kenseth, too.
Not sure about Hamlin, unless he grows up and gets his fellow arrogant punk, Brad Keselowski, out of his head. Of course, red mist hasn't kept Tony Stewart from winning two titles, but I suspect it may have prevented him from contending for a third at one or more points along the way. Hard to say whether Kyle Busch will be much better than Hamlin in the emotional intelligence department, with similar detrimental effects on the 18 team.
Anybody else want to weigh in?
November 30, 2009 | Permalink
Comments
I go with Kyle Busch.
The first question is, "When will the door be open for someone other than Chad and Jimmie?" I think it'll be another 2 years before they fall. By then, Martin will out of his ride. Kyle, though, will be approaching something resembling maturity. (If I were Kyle, I'd be seeking out Montoya for long talks about the mental aspect of NASCAR racing. Juan grew into it in just three years.)
As for the others you name, Roush is down right now. If they come back, Edwards. And I think Kyle is a better driver than Hamlin. Montoya has the skill, but not the ride.
And even I won't pick Burton, the guy I root for above all others.
Posted by: Doug in CA | Nov 30, 2009 7:09:29 PM
Great topic pick!
mmmm,
Posted by: Larry | Nov 30, 2009 7:45:24 PM
I think if Roush can get their mojo back, Carl might be the one. I heard Kyle is thinking of reneging on not running a full-time NW schedule. I don't think he'll win a Cup championship until he keeps his eyes on that prize and focuses on it like Jimmie & Chad do. Maybe Denny. He's definitely a good driver. Even Kasey if he could get a really good car to drive. Don't see any of the "older" guys doing it.
Posted by: vicki | Dec 1, 2009 5:49:57 AM
The next champion after Johnson might not even be racing in cup yet. Until the 48 team shows me that they have some weaknesses or wind up having some incredible bad luck I can't see anyone beating them. Maybe if Peter Windsor can talk Jimmie into running F1......
Posted by: Peter | Dec 1, 2009 12:19:34 PM
Doug: I am a solid fan of Jeff Burton, too.
Larry: So -- come on. Whaddya think?
Vicki: As an "older" guy myself, I resemble that remark! Just kidding. Do you count Gordon, Stewart, Kenseth among the "older" crowd? I'm assuming that you do, but you know what they say about "assume."
Peter: Very interesting comment -- about the 48 team's bulletproof status and regarding the US F1 team as well...
Posted by: David Green | Dec 1, 2009 12:34:31 PM
The window I was operating in was just too small!
Now, I'll take a stab.
First, if Chad signs for say two more years..sign me up for a longer row.
It has become clear 2 me that no matter who is in the 2 car, That is where my heart is. Kurt provides a solid chance behind the wheel. However, it seems to me that "people skills" matter as it takes alot of "tools" to buy in to any winning program. There is more evidence each year of how Kurt is just like the guy he replaced. My all time favorite driver thought he could crew chief himself from the cockpit. While there were many mini-victories in wins, his big trophy came before the BlueDuece. In spite of himself, Kurt Busch is a threat to be the next champion.
- ditto for Little Brother.
- serious threats based on history are of course Jeff Gordon and Mark "threat" Martin.
- comeback year on tap for Tony. He was clearly surprised as we were that his equipment and crew are capable. Can he avoid the distraction of the Bullseye?
- Matt's fire will burn with a new sponsor and a year that must go past the first Show and first Race.
- I will share your joy if Jeff Burton can compete for a championship, but don't think he will.
- Harvick, is likely to love'em or leave'em.
- Who could win in a real ride? Want a Bud with that Taco? Dinger, could finish 13th in points.
- Logano will finish 11th next year. Then 7th, and wear the crown in 2012!
If there really is a Beer god, Kasey Khane will somehow end up in the 2 car and repeat Jimmy's feat of 6 in a row.
Aren't you glad you asked?
Posted by: Larry | Dec 1, 2009 7:11:56 PM
Thanks Doug, David, and Larry for your good thoughts about Jeff Burton.
Jeff has been my favorite driver since I first started watching Nascar on a regular basis at the beginning of '97. I guess you could say I'm a Burton fan more than a Nascar fan.
Jeff is scheduled to be on Race Hub Wednesday night, (Dec2).
Doug I haven't sent you any news for some time.
David, I live in Western Kentucky.
Posted by: Jo Ann | Dec 2, 2009 12:01:28 AM
Larry: I am, indeed! Great stuff, and incredibly detailed.
Jo Ann: Jeff is a fine fellow and an excellent driver to boot. In the late 1990s, I really expected him to rise to champion. I'm glad to see him back in the top 10 the last three years.
WKY is a great place to live overall, and especially in Benton. I'm a Heath High School grad and am presently a graduate assistant at Murray State. Glad to hear from you! I'm pretty pumped that three teams from the Jackson Purchase region are playing for state football championships this weekend in Bowling Green. Best of luck to Mayfield, Paducah Tilghman and Lone Oak.
Posted by: David Green | Dec 2, 2009 6:54:23 AM
David, I'm in Dawson Springs.....Hopkins County.
Posted by: Jo Ann | Dec 2, 2009 12:44:07 PM
Until the powers that exist and run the sport of Nascar decide that the #48's domination is not as profitable as another winner, they will continue to win it. They are a great team, but it is a "show" when it comes to the power of Rick Hendrick/Nascar. Anyone who even remotely thinks that HMS's domination is done on an even playing field is kidding themselves. That said & without naming names, there are at least 12 drivers/teams that are Championship quality and could accomplish the season victory imho. That number could easily increase due to the quality of performance that many of the Nascar teams strive to achieve each year.
Posted by: Smoketherest14 | Dec 21, 2009 10:33:49 AM
Post a comment
Advertisements
