Opinion: Who Will Make the Chase in 2006??

Unfortunately there is not a race for this weekend which leaves a spot to feel on this site..so what better to talk about then who will make the chase. Basically list the 10 drivers you think will make the chase and if you want..give a small description to why. Below are my top ten:

2006 Chase Contenders:
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Mark Martin
3. Tony Stewart
4. Matt Kenseth
5. Carl Edwards
6. Jamie McMurray
7. Jeff Gordon
8. Ryan Newman
9. Greg Biffle
10. Kasey Kaine

Some others who were considered: Dale Jr., Casey Mears, Elliott Sadler, Dale Jarrett, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch & Jeff Burton.

Bobby Labonte 06 Preview

Bobby Labonte moves from Gibbs Racing to drive the legendary #43 car for Petty Enterprises. Last season Labonte could never find consistency and did not find victory lane for the second year straight. The 2000 Champion hopes that he can bring an experienced yet successful driver to the #43 and try to get Petty Enterprises in victory lane.

Team: Petty Enterprises Sponsor: Cheerios Crew Chief: Todd Parrott

2005 Stats (Bobby Labonte):

0 Wins
0 Poles
4 Top Fives
7 Top Tens
24th in Final Standings

(#43)

0 Wins
0 Poles
0 Top Fives
0 Top Tens
29th in Final Standings

It is obvious that Petty Enterprises is trying to make the Necessary changes in the organization to get their teams to a competitive caliber. Furthermore, it helps when you bring in an experienced driver like Labonte to pilot your team. I expect to see improvements out of this team. They will not make the chase but should surprise with a few good runs in the #43.

Casey Mears 2006 Preview

Casey Mears starts the 2006 season with the same owner, Ganassi Racing, but in a different car as he jumps from the #41 to the #42. Last season was almost a repeat of his 2004 season, meaning that it was not very successful, but now Mears is the veteran of the race team and will be expected to contend for the top ten not to mention break through with that first win.

Team: Ganassi Racing Sponsor: Texaco Havoline Crew Chief: Donnie Wingo

2005 Stats (#41):

0 Wins
0 Poles
3 Top Fives
9 Top Tens
22nd in Final Standings

(#42)

0 Wins
1 Poles
4 Top Fives
10 Top Tens
12th in Final Standings

Casey Mears basically takes over the team and equipment that Jamie McMurray used last year. In my point of view the #42 team is the best at Ganassi, so if Mears has a shot this is it. The #42 team barely missed out on the chase the last two years so they will be relying on Casey to get the job done plus I believe Casey wants to prove doubters that he can put the car in victory lane. Mears will have to run consistent to make the chase which could be tough but getting that first win is possible in 2006.

Kenseth Wins in California

The race was dominated by Greg Biffle but in the end it was his teammate Matt Kenseth who took the checkered flag in the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway. Kurt Busch started on the pole but it did not take long for Biffle to take the lead and he kept it for a majority of the race. It quickly turned into a race dominated by Roush Racing with all five of the teams drivers moving to the front and everyone else chasing them. Tony Stewart looked to be the only driver that could content with the powerful car of Biffle's. Unfortunately, both Biffle and Stewart would lose the battle when their engines blew late in the race surrendering the lead to Kenseth who held off late charges from Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards for the win.

Top Ten:
1. Matt Kenseth
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Carl Edwards
4. Kasey Kaine
5. Jeff Burton
6. Jamie McMurray
7. Casey Mears
8. J.J. Yeley
9 Mark Martin
10. Kyle Busch

Reed Sorenson 2006 Preview

Reed Sorenson makes the move from the Busch series to Cup for the 2006 season. Originally Sorenson was suppose to run the busch series one more year but after McMurray left he was promoted quickly. Reed only ran one full season in the cup and for the most part came out of nowhere to be successful last year.

Team: Ganassi Racing Sponsor: Target Crew Chief: Jimmy Elledge

2005 Stats (Busch Series):

2 Poles
2 Wins
12 Top Fives
19 Top Tens
4th in Final Standings

(Casey Mears)

0 Wins
0 Poles
3 Top Fives
9 Top Tens
22nd in Final Standings

Reed Sorenson is a smooth, and calm driver with tons of potential but the story could end for him as it did for McMurray. Will he be as successful at Ganassi or will he eventually have to move to find success. He could easily win the Rookie of the Year if him and his team work together. Look for Sorenson to run well at a few tracks but not be a factor in the chase this year.

Pick'em: California

Last years winner of the Fall race was Greg Biffle and Kyle Busch won the spring race. I expect it to be a Hendricks versus Roush type of race (of course throwing Tony Stewart in the mix).

My Pick: Greg Biffle

Opinion: Aggressive Driving

This years Daytona 500 lacked everything but the "Big One", but it still ended with plenty of tore up cars and drivers pointing fingers. In almost every case one man seemed to be in the middle, 2005 champion Tony Stewart. First him and Jeff Gordon ran themselves up into the wall early in the race, then he ran Matt Kenseth into the grass ruining Kenseth's chances at winning (he had a car capable), and finally late in the race Stewart had a run in with Kyle Busch.

The question is who was right? Remember a week before this Stewart was complaining of aggressive driving after the Bud Shootout. He claims that the Kenseth incident was just that an accident. What do you think?

David Stremme 2006 Preview

David Stremme moves up to the cup series to drive the #40 Coors Light/Lonestar Dodge for Ganassi Racing in 2006. David competed in the Busch series for the last two seasons. Stremme was held winless in that series even though he showed some promise at various points in 2005.

Team: Ganassi Racing Sponsor: Coors Light/Lonestar Crew Chief: Jeff Vandermoss

2005 Stats (Bush Series):

0 Wins
0 Poles
5 Top Fives
10 Top Tens
13th in Final Standings

2005 Stats (Sterling Marlin):

0 Wins
0 Poles
1 Top Five
5 Top Tens
30th in Final Standings

The question for the #40 team will be can they come together and will the equipment be used effectively. Stremme is one of a large rookie class that hope to make a run at the top ten. I foresee this year as a learning curve for David and his team, where they may struggle throughout the year as a mid-pack car. The team should be building for strong contention in the future.

Jimmie Johnson Victorious at Daytona

The 2006 Daytona Race was as exciting as expected. Even though some drivers did not finish the way they would have preferred, one driver and team will be celebrating for the next few days. Jimmie Johnson hung around the top five all day long and was really patient, waiting for other drivers to make the mistake and take themselves out of contention. Late in the race Johnson held off late charges from Dale Jr. and Ryan Newman to win his first Daytona 500.

Other drivers found today's race a tough 500 miles including Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth. Tony Stewart was in the middle of much of the controversy, having run-in's with Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch. Other drivers who had good runs were Elliott Sadler, Brian Vickers, Casey Mears, Kenny Schrader and Clint Bowyer.

Daytona 500
*Top Ten*
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Casey Mears
3. Ryan Newman
4. Elliot Sadler
5. Tony Stewart
6. Clint Bowyer
7. Brian Vickers
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
9. Ken Schrader
10. Dale Jarrett

Daytona 500 Starting Lineup

The green flag will drop for the 48th running of the Daytona 500 at 1:30 est live on NBC. Jeff Burton will be on the pole, along side defending champion and winner of the 2nd Gatordade Duel 150 races, Jeff Gordon. Should be an exciting race, and here is your starting lineup.


Pos. Car Driver
1. 31 Jeff Burton
2. 24 Jeff Gordon
3. 38 Elliott Sadler
4. 5 Kyle Busch
5. 99 Carl Edwards
6. 26 Jamie McMurray
7. 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
8. 43 Bobby Labonte Dodge
9. 48 Jimmie Johnson
10. 6 Mark Martin
11. 17 Matt Kenseth
12. 45 Kyle Petty
13. 2 Kurt Busch
14. 42 Casey Mears
15. 20 Tony Stewart
16. 16 Greg Biffle
17. 11 Denny Hamlin
18. 12 Ryan Newman
19. 1 Martin Truex Jr.
20. 7 Robby Gordon
21. 66 Jeff Green
22. 41 Reed Sorenson
23. 21 Ken Schrader
24. 09 Mike Wallace
25. 88 Dale Jarrett
26. 19 Jeremy Mayfield
27. 9 Kasey Kahne
28. 29 Kevin Harvick
29. 49 Brent Sherman
30. 55 Michael Waltrip
31. 61 Kevin Lepage
32. 40 David Stremme
33. 36 Bill Elliott
34. 22 Dave Blaney
35. 25 Brian Vickers
36. 18 J.J. Yeley
37. 07 Clint Bowyer
38. 01 Joe Nemechek
39. 14 Sterling Marlin
40. 32 Travis Kvapil
41. 00 Hermie Sadler
42. 27 Kirk Shelmerdine
43. 96 Terry Labonte

Gatorade Dual 150's - Race 1 & 2 Results

The Gatorade Dual 150's were delayed at the beginning by almost an hour and a half due to rain in the Daytona Beach area. The wait was worth it however, as we saw a good preview of the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

Early on, it was Hermie Sadler and Paul Menard going out of the race, with Menard's crash costing him a spot in the Daytona 500. Sadler, due to owner's points from the previous year, is guarenteed a spot.

After the first 30 laps, we had a relativly clean race, with guys seemingly paying attention to NASCAR's new rules on wreckless driving and bump drafting. Elliot Sadler lead after the first 30 laps. Around this time, Tony Stewart reported a vibration on his car after coming in and changing tires on a pit stop. Tony was about to come back in under green flag racing when he caught a break. NASCAR threw the yellow flag at this time due to rain on the backstretch of the speedway. The cars were immediately brought down pit road and placed under a red flag while the rain moved on.

The delay lasted about 20 minutes, and during the caution after the red flag was lifted, Stewart brought in the #20 Home Depot Chevy in and they corrected their problem. Also, the Budweiser #8 experienced some tire issues as well, but were able to correct them and he joined Stewart at the back of the pack when they restarted.

Elliot Sadler led from restart until the last caution with three laps to go when Chad Gaffin, trying to qualify for the race based on his finish, cut a tire and slammed the wall in the tri-oval. A strange event occured at this time when the leaders, coming back around to the start-finish line for the caution suddenly slowed down in order to avoid debris from Gaffin's crash. This sudden slow down caught Sterling Marlin, who had been running well in the #14 Waste Management car, off guard and caused him to skid into the rear of Dale Jarrett in the 88 UPS car. Marlin had significant damage to the front end of his car, but Jarrent didn't sustain significant damage.

Due to the caution coming with under three laps remaining, NASCAR went to their green-white-checker finish and Elliot Sadler held off Carl Edwards and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for the win. The #38 M&M's car looked very strong, leading the majority of the laps and showing he will be a force come Sunday.

Overall, the race was pretty good, but you could tell that everyone was being as careful as possible. This was significantly different from the Bud Shootout, which saw a lot of bumping and banging. I think the drivers realize there will be a time to push the limit and a time not too. If this race was an indication of what we will see on Sunday, look for the Yates, DEI, Rousch, & Hendrick cars to be strong.

Results from Race 1 of the Gatorade Dual 150's

1. 38 - Sadler
2. 99 - Edwards
3. 8 - Earnhardt, Jr.
4. 48 - Johnson
5. 17 - Kenseth
6. 2 - Kurt Busch
7. 31 - R. Gordon
8. 20 - Stewart
9. 11 - Hamlin
10. 1 - Truex, Jr.
11. 66 - Jeff Green
12. 21 - Schrader
13. 88 - Jarrett
14. 9 - Khayne
15. 49 - Sherman
16. 61 - LePage
17. 36 - Elliot
18. 23 - Skinner
19. 74 - Cope
20. 25 - Vickers
21. 07 - Boyer
22. 52 - Gunselman
23. 50 - Foyt
24. 59 - Belmont
25. 64 - LaJoie
26. 14 - Marlin
27. 92 - Gaffin
28. 15 - Menard
29. 00 - H. Sadler

The winner of the second Dual race was Jeff Gordon, who is starting on the front row because of a qualifying.

Elliott Sadler 2006 Preview

Elliot Sadler's 2005 season did not live up to expectation when compared to the year before. The team started running consistent but ran into a stretch were nothing went their way resulting in a few torn up cars. This team has a new Crew Chief for this season and hopes that these changes will get them back in Chase in 2006.

Team: Yates Racing Sponsor: M&M's Crew Chief: Tommy Baldwin

2005 Stats:

0 Wins
4 Poles
1 Top Five
12 Top Tens
13th in Final Standings

Elliott could be, yet again, a sleeper to make the chase. His team (when luck is on their side) has shown in the past that when they get on a role they can be consistent. If Sadler can do this plus sneak up and win one or two races then yes..Sadler could make his second chase and even be competitive in it. Geez..that's a lot of if's though. Seriously, I look for Sadler to be in the mix thoughout this season.

Travis Kvapil 2006 Preview

Travis Kvapil jumps from the #77 of Penske racing to the #32 Tide Car for PPI Motorsports. The #32 car had a disappointing 2005 season under driver Bobby Hamilton Jr., who was dismissed after only one year of service. The team hopes to get back to being competitive in 2006.

Team: PPI Motorsports Sponsor: Tide Crew Chief: James Ince

2005 Stats (Bobby Hamilton Jr.):

0 Wins
0 Poles
0 Top Fives
0 Top Tens
36th in Final Standings

2005 Stats (Travis Kvapil):

0 Wins
0 Poles
0 Top Fives
2 Top Tens
33rd in Final Standings

It could be a tough rode for Travis and this team in 2006. The team has to first worry about making the top 35 in points since last year they were unable to secure a spot. If they can do that, then they can put an effort to move up in the points. As a driver Kvapil could be good..if a team will stick with him more than one year.

Daytona 500 Picks

My Pick: (Call me crazy but..) Jamie McMurray

Ok..Most of you sucked it up on the Shootout picks :) So..I will give ya another shot (And come on guys try to pick someone else besides Dale Jr. or Jeff Gordon).

Jeff Burton 2006 Preview

Jeff Burton starts his second full season with Richard Childress Racing and the #31 Cingular Chevy. The 2005 season did not go as planned for Burton and his team as they continually found themselves mid pack during most races. They will hope to improve on this in 2006.

Team: Richard Childress Racing Sponsor: Cingular Crew Chief: Scott Miller

2005 Stats:

0 Wins
0 Poles
3 Top Fives
6 Top Tens
18th in Final Standings

Jeff Burton is a veteran and a good spokesman for the sport but has he lost his ability to put the car in victory lane. Burton has not been to victory lane since 2001 at Phoenix and has not been able to produce since coming over to Childress. The 2006 season could be better for Burton but him making the chase could be tough this season.

An unexpected winner in 2006 Bud Shootout

The 2006 Bud Shootout was as exciting as many thought it would be but in the end it was an unexpected rookie that took the checkered flag. Rookie Denny Hamlin (with a little help from teammate Tony Stewart) used patience to move his way through the field eventually finding himself in first with 10 laps to go. A late caution put him on the outside row of his teammate but on the restart Hamlin took the lead and help off a late charging Dale Jr. for the win.

Looks like everyone made the wrong selection but that's the joy of restrictor plate racing, anyone can win.

Daytona Pole

Jeff Burton put his #31 Cingular Chevy on the Pole for the Daytona 500, beside him will be last years winner of the 500, Jeff Gordon. The remaining spots will be decided in the Gatorade duel races later this coming week.

Kevin Harvick '06 Preview

Kevin Harvick was in the rumor mill for most of the season but once again remains in the #29 Chevy for Richard Childress Racing. For the second year in a row Harvick missed the chase in 2005 and his team ran into random problems throughout the season.

Team: Richard Childress Racing Sponsor: GM Goodwrench/Reeses Crew Chief: Todd Berrier

2005 Stats:

1 Win
2 Poles
3 Top Fives
10 Top Tens
14th in Final Standings

Harvick has been the figure head for Richard Childress Racing but has been unable to produce results better than a few victories. For Harvick to make the chase he will have to find consistency in himself and his team...if not...he could find himself once again running for pride in the final ten races.

Jamie McMurray 2006 Preview

Jamie McMurray joins the Roush team in 2006, driving the #26 (Formally #97) Irwin Tools/Crown Royal Ford. The last few season's Jamie has drove for Ganassi Racing but not since his second race ever (driving for an injured Sterling Marlin) in the cup series has Jamie been able to find victory lane. He signed with Roush with the intentions of driving the #6 after Mark Martins retirement but before that could happened Kurt Busch decided to leave for Penske Racing, leaving the #97 (#26) open. Lasy year Jamie once again found himself right outside the chase finishing in the top fifteen. Will a new team result in success for McMurray?

Team: Roush Racing Sponsor: Irwin Tools/Crown Royal Crew Chief: Jimmy Fennig

2005 Driver Stats:

0 Wins
1 Pole
4 Top Fives
10 Top Tens
12th in Final Standings

Team Stats (Under Kurt Busch):

3 Wins
0 Poles
9 Top Fives
18 Top Tens
10th in Final Standings

Jamie McMurray should benefit from the move. I believe McMurray is a talented driver who could easily make the top ten if his luck remains good. Plus, he assumes a team that is a proven championship team, winning the 2004 Cup with driver Kurt Busch. Jamie should excel under veteran Crew Chief Jimmy Fennig furthermore it does not hurt for the team to have a driver that is as relaxed and easy going as Jamie to work with. Jamie will pick up more than one victory in 2006.

Brian Vickers '06 Preview

Brian Vickers starts his third full season in the #25 Chevy for Rick Hendrick. Last year was much like the first for Vickers, a few good runs but was still unable to put the car in victory lane. I believe that will be key for Vickers and his team, get in victory lane and then look to build into a top ten team.

Team: Hendricks Motorsports Sponsor: GMAC Crew Chief: Lance McGrew

2005 Stats:

0 Wins
1 Pole
5 Top Fives
10 Top Tens
17th in Final Standings

Vickers has shown shades of great ability and his team has also shown that they are getting better but he will have to prove himself as a week-in-&-out treat to be considered to make the chase and in the past two years he has not done so. In 2006 he will get better (could pick up his first win) and pick up a few more spots in the points by season end.

Bud Shootout Entry List

The Bud Shootout is this Saturday night at Daytona Speedway. So..feel free to pick a winner.
My Pick: Tony Stewart

Joe Nemenchek
Mark Martin
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Tony Stewart
Scott Riggs
Kyle Busch
Matt Kenseth
Denny Hamilin
Ryan Newman
Kasey Kahne
Ken Schader
Jimmie Johnson
Jeff Gordon
Carl Edwards
Brian Vickers
Elliott Sadler
Dale Jarrett
Michael Waltrip
Jamie McMurray
Kevin Harvick
Bill Elliott

**Update**

Ken Schrader is on the inside pole, with Jimmie Johnson on the outside.

Jeff Gordon 2006 Preview

The Rainbow Warrior entered the 2005 season with high expectations, and the slogan "Drive for Five" but to everyones suprise Jeff found himself fighting to remain in the top fifteen. Yes..Jeff Gordon had a relatively down year when compared to his past seasons. We are accustom to seeing the #24 competing for the win every week but in 2005 it seemed as if his cars were never set up to his liking and by the end of each race he was fighting to stay afloat. He did have the occasional good run and of course won a few races (can never keep Gordon out of victory lane) including the Daytona 500 but still to him and his team 2005 was a nightmare. Now..its 2006..and the #24 team has a new Crew Chief, swagger and slogan; "Drive for Five....Again".

Team: Rick Hendrick Sponsor: DuPont Crew Chief: Steve Letarte

2005 Stats:

4 Wins
2 Poles
8 Top Fives
14 Top Tens
11th in Final Standings

Jeff Gordon has never had an off year in his career so it will be interesting to see how his team does this year(Geez..4 wins is a bad year?). I don't think it matters if there's chemistry, as long as Steve Letarte sets up the car good Jeff will take it to the front. I suspect that the #24 team will once again win their fairshare of races in 06 plus should be tough to keep out of the top ten in 2006.

Dave Blaney '06 Preview

Dave Blaney moves from Richard Childress Racing and the #07 Chevy to Bill Davis Racing and the #22 Catepiller Dodge for the 2006 season. Last year the Bill Davis team struggled with Scott Wimmer behind the wheel and they found themselves running to remain in the top 35 in points much of the year.

Team: Bill Davis Racing Sponsor: Catepillar Crew Chief: Kevin Hamlin

2005 Stats (Scott Wimmer):

0 Wins
0 Poles
0 Top Fives
0 Top Tens
32nd in Final Standings

2005 Stats (Dave Blaney):

0 Wins
0 Poles
0 Top Fives
2 Top Tens
26th in Final Standings

Well..Dave Blaney will try to get Bill Davis back to a respectable finishing point. Unfortunately...I do not see this team being even remotely competitive this season but maybe Bill Davis doesn't either. The team has already made it known that they will be switching to Toyota in 2007, meaning that they should be backed much better next year by a newcomer into the sport.

Ken Schrader 2006 Preview

Ken Schrader takes over in the legendary #21 Ford for the Wood Brothers in 2006. It is no secret that Schrader will be running the car until Jon Wood is ready to assume control of the machine but by no means does this mean that the team expects not to be competitive this season. Schrader would like to prove he still has a win left in 06. In 2005 the team had a few goods runs under driver Ricky Rudd, but they could not seem to find consistency week in-out.

Team: Wood Brothers Racing Sponsor: Little Debbie Crew Chief: David Hyder

2005 Stats (Ricky Rudd):

0 Wins
0 Poles
2 Top Fives
9 Top tens
21st in Final Standings

2005 Stats (Ken Schrader):

0 Wins
0 Poles
0 Top Fives
3 Top Tens
31st in Final Standings

Schrader should run competitive at a few tracks but once again I don't know if the 21 team can put together a top ten finishing season..at least not this year. Schrader is a racer and will wheel the car as fast as possible, helping him finish better than he has the past few seasons while with BAM Racing.

Tony Stewart 2006 Preview

The 2005 NASCAR champion will try to defend his title in 06. Last year was a banner season for the #20 team as at one point Stewart dominated the field. At the half way point Stewart caught fire and seemed to be at the front of every race. Can he catch fire again in 2006?

Team: Joe Gibbs Racing Sponsor: Home Depot Crew Chief: Greg Zipadelli



2005 Stats:

5 Wins
3 Poles
17 Top Fives
25 Top Tens
Nextel Cup Champion

Whether you like Tony Stewart or not it is a fact that Tony is one of the best drivers in the field each week. He has proven that he can win at every track...road course, restrictor plate, or 1 1/2 mile..if his car is set up good it will be at the front. The stats in 2005 do not lie, Tony lead in every category that makes a champion..top fives and tens. As long as his luck remains solid look for Tony to once again be tough to beat each week in 06.

Jeremy Mayfield '06 Preview

Jeremy Mayfield enters 2006 the same way he has the past two years...an underdog. After making the chase in 2004 no one considered him capable of doing it two years in a row...well..he did. Mayfield hung around the top ten all year in 2005, doing so with consistent top fifteen runs but his team has still been unable to put anything together in the final ten races to be competitive for the cup.

Team: Evernham Motorsports Sponsor: Dodge Dealers Crew Chief: Chris Andrews

2005 Stats:

1 Win (GFS Marketplace 400, Michigan)
0 Poles
4 Top Fives
9 Top Tens
9th in Final standings

Once again people give Jeremy no shot at making the chase in 2006 but he has proven to run just good enough to secure his top ten spot. Unfortunately I believe it will take Jeremy more than consistent top fifteens to get in this year. I can see Jeremy winning a race in 2006 but making the chase could be tough but he is known for proving doubters wrong, as he has for the past two seasons.

Opinion

Recently NASCAR announced the introduction of Toyota into the sport, also Brian France discussed the movement towards the "Car of Tomorrow". Well...I would like to know your opinion on these two subjects??? Please Comment.

What impact will Toyota have on the sport, Negative or Positive??

What are your thought's on the Car of Tomm???

J.J. Yeley 2006 Preview

The #18 Joe Gibbs Chevy will have a new face for the 2006 season as J.J. Yeley makes the transition from the Busch Series to Cup. The past two seasons have been rough for the #18 team, something they were not accustom to in the past under driver Bobby Labonte. J. J. Yeley hopes that he can breath new life into the team and show that he was the right man for the job in 2006.

Team: Joe Gibbs Racing Sponsor: Interstate Batteries Crew Chief: Steve Addington

2005 Stats (Busch Series):

0 Wins
0 Poles
4 Top Fives
12 Top Tens
11th in Final Standings

I just do not see J.J. Yeley taking the #18 car anywhere near the top ten this year. Yeley had a few good runs in the Busch series but for the most part was not in contention in that series at any part of his two years, so him being competitive at the cup level in his first year should be tough. Yes...he is with a good team but so was Bobby Labonte, who might I add was a former champ and he struggled. I foresee another struggling year for the #18 team....Yeley might run good and be able to qualify high at a few tracks but for the most part they will struggle in 2006.

Greg Biffle 2006 Preview

Greg Biffle ended the 2006 season on a high note with a win but unfortunately he came up a few points shy of claiming his first NASCAR Championship. If it was not for a few middle season follies Greg may have been raising the Cup instead of Tony, but a second place finish in the points is better than most had predicted for Greg in 05 but now that he has proven that he has what it takes he will be expected to do the same in 06.

Team: Roush Racing Sponsor: Army National Guard Crew Chief: Doug Richert

2005 Stats:

6 Wins
0 Poles
15 Top Fives
21 Top Tens
2nd in Final Standings

Greg Biffle has the talent and the team to challenge for the 2006 Cup. The only thing I think that can keep him from making the chase will be bad luck. Greg runs competitive at almost every type of track and has proven that when he gets on a role he can be hard to beat. Greg should be strong once again in 06 as he tries to become the first driver in history to win in all three major divisions of NASCAR.