Just about 3 months ago, NASCAR crowned Kyle Busch the 2015 Sprint Cup Champion. Now, fast forward to present day, we are just about 2 days from the official start of the 2016 season-opening Daytona 500. This year, however will be different than in year's past, as competition will be even more heavier and the format is even greater.
First, NASCAR instituted a new charter system in which full-time teams will be able to lock into all 36 races of the season. With the field now down to 40 entries (was 43), 4 teams will have to qualify on speed to make the race. Drivers like Ryan Blaney (driving full-time in the Wood Brothers entry), Reed Sorenson and Cole Whitt will have to be fast in qualifying to make an event. When the charter system was first introduced last week, certain teams, most notable the Stewart-Haas 41 of Kurt Busch and Joe Gibbs Racing 19 of Carl Edwards had to buy charters from defunct teams like Michael Waltrip Racing, which helped them now this year.
As far as driver roulette goes, with Jeff Gordon retired, Chase Elliott steps into the famous 24. Regan Smith landed a ride with Tommy Baldwin Racing, while Jeb Burton will return to Xfinity Series. With Tony Stewart retiring in 2017, and now back injury sidelines him for a few months, Brian Vickers steps into the 14 car. Clint Bowyer, who will replace Smoke next year, will drive for HScott Motorsports this season (replacing Justin Allgaier who moved back to Xfinity Series). Besides Elliott who is competing for Rookie of the Year, he will be joined by Xfinity champion Chris Buescher, Ryan Blaney & Brian Scott (who now drives for Richard Petty Motorsports in the 44 car).
With the younger guys now competing, the competition level will be even greater.
Now, lets talk Daytona. Last weekend, as Denny Hamlin won the Sprint Unlimited. Front-row qualifying was held on Sunday, with Chase Elliott winning the pole and Matt Kenseth starting 2nd. However, Kenseth will be moving to a backup car after a last-lap crash in last night's Duel race, which also took out Martin Truex, Jr., Danica Patrick & Jimmie Johnson. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch won the Can-Am Duels last night, so will start 3rd and 4th on the grid for Sunday.
As always, the race will be exciting and thankfully NASCAR season is officially back! For the Daytona 500, I'm taking Kyle Busch to win, but I think that Dale Jr and the rest of the Joe Gibbs Racing entries will also be in contention.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment