Sofa Sideline – Starting to Look Ahead at 2002
The thought behind looking at the new
season is really pretty much the desire to have this year done with. It’s been
tumultuous to say the least (in so many ways), and in our best interest to just
move on and ahead. That’s not too say that the tragic events of 2001 will
suddenly no longer be a part of our lives, it’s just the overwhelming desire
to gain renewed spirit for the upcoming season. I’m going to make "first
draft" predictions for 2002, with the stipulation that I may change my mind
as we get closer to Daytona. (I’m a woman – it’s my prerogative!)
Top Contenders
Tony Stewart goes
to the very top of the list. I agree with Tony when he said that he felt the
2000 season was better than 2001, but he also suddenly wound up in second place
in the points and the momentum will remain. The new Pontiac design will help,
but it’s really the fact that Stewart is fiercely competitive, not liable to
defeat himself again (hopefully), and the stability and stamina of the entire
Gibbs operation will provide the means to the top. Stewart gained a lot of fans
when he took his jacket off at the banquet to show he was wearing the Hutchens
device, poking fun at himself and NASCAR. We all cracked up, and I keep hearing
over and over again that people appreciate the fact that he just says what’s
on his mind, and is not able to be "reigned in." So, if he’s not
constantly singled out, I think Tony will be the 2002 Champion. He’s just a
darn good race car driver,
Bobby Labonte
will be right in it with Tony. The 2001 season is behind him, and I think
Labonte will be battling with Stewart for the championship lead. Toward the end
of the season, Bobby seemed to get a better "grip" (sorry, what a pun)
on his tire problems, and engine failure, as was the case early 2001, will not
be a returning problem. Labonte’s quiet, composed exterior masks the true
spirit where the "fire burns" and the desire to win is intense. 2002
will see consistency return with more wins and top fives.
Jeff Gordon
what can you say. He has a tremendous talent, great team, lots of money. But, I
just think it’s tough to come right back and win the championship again the
next year. I know, I know, he’s done it before, however, not this time.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
everybody’s favorite these days. Junior is "pumped" and the burden
of 2001 will be (ever so slightly) lifted from his shoulders, and should result
in more consistent runs in 2002. He will finish in the top five. I think there
is no doubt a championship in his future, but it may take a couple more years to
get there. What’s really nice is the tremendous fan base he has
developed, pretty much on his own. You can’t get mad at him – he’s just so
dang charming!
Sterling Marlin
could be the man. Sterling had a great year in 2001 and he liked it! He wants
back up on that stage next December, and from the way he ran this year, don’t
see a problem with that happening.
Jeff Burton
is a tough call to make, but I am going to have to go with the theory that this
season was a bad dream. He won two races, had six top five finishes in the last
fifteen races, but he just never seemed to be a factor. The jury’s still out,
but I think Burton will start out fairly strong in 2002 and we won’t have to
constantly look for him – he’ll be right there.
Kevin Harvick
look out! Kevin made some enemies this year with his aggressive driving style,
but he appeared somewhat tempered in his manner at season’s end. It’s Kevin’s
nature to be aggressive, and when opportunity presents itself, he’ll take it
(no matter who he ticks off). If there is not too much payback in the offing,
Harvick will definitely finish in the top ten in 2002.
Ricky Rudd
is another you just don’t know about. If the end of the 2001 season gives any
indication of what will happen in 2002, then he’s in for a long year. Peaks
and valleys have been the rule of thumb with Rudd, and the consistent finishes
needed for the championship have not come. Let’s hope that’s not the case in
2002.
Dale Jarrett
will be back. I first drafted this prior to the crew chief change with the
thought that DJ would just not be in contention in 2002. However, with the
change to Jimmy Elledge and Todd Parrott moving to team manager, not so sure
now. I think Bobby Hamilton is truly going to miss him, and DJ comes out the
winner on this one.
Johnny Benson
will get his first win in 2002 and the crowds will roar as they did for Ricky
Craven.
Rusty Wallace will
finish just out of the money. The loss of Robin Pemberton, coupled with the
apparent disarray of the Penske organization as of late, will have an effect on
how well Rusty runs in 2002. The film will be out in 2002, but unfortunately an
accompanying championship does not appear to be on the horizon.
Maybe a Surprise?
Bobby Hamilton had
several good runs this year. It remains to be seen how the loss of his crew
chief will affect this team, but one hopes that this quiet, unassuming driver
has a good season in 2002.
Matt Kenseth
could be right there in 2002. This team came together the end of 2001 and should
continue to improve in 2002. At times, Kenseth’s style is somewhat aggressive
and this may "bite him in the butt" but if he doesn’t lose his cool
and drives smart, he’ll be right there.
Ricky Craven,
at the very least, will get another win in 2002.
Middle of the Road
Jeff Green
– Will probably run consistently in the middle of the pack. The good news is
that he will probably not tear up much equipment, which with at least one of his
teammates; you can pretty much count on that happening.
John Andretti
– Cars will improve in the Petty camp, particularly if Robin Pemberton gets
involved as rumored.
Kyle Petty
– Same here. Hopefully Kyle will not be plagued with qualifying problems
again, and be able to at least produce respectable finishes.
Dave Blaney
– Probably will do better with the car than Robert Pressley.
Just Don’t Know???
Terry Labonte
– Will the crew chief change make a difference? Let’s hope so.
Casey Atwood
— Got the proverbial "short end of the stick" and let’s hope Casey
gets the appropriate level of support from the Evernham camp as promised.
Ward Burton —
His luck has to change in 2002. Right?
Kenny Wallace
– If DEI will field a car throughout the entire season, may see some good
things here.
Most Likely Not to do Much
Mike Skinner
– Changing cars will not help – he just sometimes makes some very stupid
moves.
Mark Martin
– Time to retire – he’s just not into it anymore.
Bill Elliott —
Ditto (And please, reality check on this most popular driver thing).
Michael Waltrip
– I like "Mikey" like everyone else, but reflexes and reaction time
are just not there. I was hoping that DEI would persuade him to retire and see
Michael added to the NBC roster and have him go head to head with DW. What a
marketing gimmick, eh?
Jeremy Mayfield
– Ray Evernham, I’ve always admired you, but this time you are making a big
mistake.
Robby Gordon –
Still think he’s gonna wreck a whole bunch of cars, but I’ll rescind if
proven wrong. If not, I’ll be relentless in my pursuit!
Rookie of the Year
– Tough call to make, but will have to go with Ryan Newman over Jimmie
Johnson. He’s more aggressive and if everything stays true to form, that car
is just very fast!
As stated, this is a first draft, but if
teams pretty much stay as they are, not much will change, and the 2002
Championship will go to Tony Stewart. Feel free to email differing thoughts and
opinions and I’ll post in a subsequent column (as long as they are not too
nasty!).
Best wishes for a happy holiday season to
all!
That’s it for now.