Sofa Sideline – Stewart the Winner!
Kurt Busch wins the ho-hum usual sleeper no race, race in Homestead. Kurt
Busch’s phenomenal end of the season roll had him put another check mark in the
win column and propelled him to a third place finish in the points race.
Tony Stewart, finished a dismal 18th in the race he normally dominates, but
it didn’t matter; he’s the champ! Congratulations go out to Stewart and all the
Gibbs crew for sticking together through thick and thin and getting the job
done.
In looking back to "picks" made last December, I had Stewart on top
and named Ryan Newman rookie of the year. The other prediction to ring true was
the win by Johnny Benson.
Bobby Labonte – did not see this dismal season coming; hopefully with the
changes that have been put in place for 2003 things will be better.
In the top contender column we had Jeff Gordon finishing third; okay so a
fourth place finish is not so bad after all the personal turmoil he’s had to
face this year.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – consistency was not the name of the game until toward
the end of the season which cost Junior a top ten in points.
Sterling Marlin – we had him picked to finish toward the top; injuries caused
an early end to the season along with a top ten finish in the championship race.
Jeff Burton – winless in the Winston Cup series; showed some end of season
improvement, but paled in comparison to the rest of the Rousch organization;
Kenseth five wins, Busch four wins, Martin one win, second in points. The firing
of Frankie Stoddard in an effort to improve this team’s performance still didn’t
make it happen.
Kevin Harvick – thought he would do better this season; didn’t show much of
anything at all. He did manage to pick up a win, but other than that race, he
did not have a very good year in 2002. The word is that Richard Childress is
making some drastic changes within the RCR organization, and that may be what is
needed to give this team a boost.
Ricky Rudd – the ups and downs of this year and even with the switch in teams
for 2003 being announced so early in the game, he still managed to pull off a
tenth place finish in the points race. Ricky’s only win came out in Sonoma, but
the end of the season seemed like he was somewhat of a "lame duck,"
particularly the last couple of races.
Dale Jarrett – two wins; ninth in points; not really where he wanted to be
but not bad.
Johnny Benson — momentum has started, and it was great to see JB win.
Rusty Wallace – first time in sixteen years, no win. Ending up seventh in
points was okay, but we certainly did not the dynamic racing we’ve seen in the
past. The last two races showed us the Rusty of old, but it was too little, too
late. However, next season, with teammate Ryan Newman leading the way, the
Penske organization should be at the top of the heap.
In the "maybe a surprise" category, Matt Kenseth’s name was there –
well I guess it was. Five wins, better than any other driver, but periodic
engine woes caused this driver not to finish as high up in the standing as he
may have had the consistency been there. This is one talented, maybe slightly
under-rated driver and sure to be in the champion’s corner before long.
Middle of the Road; Jeff Green and Kyle Petty; could say we were pretty much
on target there. Jeff Green managed not to tear up too many cars, and Kyle’s
steady improvement maintain their status in the group that will consistently
finish in the middle of the pack, but bring the cars home in one piece.
We had John Andretti in this category; but too many cars got torn up; way too
many. Regardless of who’s fault, just too many.
Dave Blaney’s decent runs, particularly toward the end of 2002 makes one look
toward even more in 2003 – but it still remains to be seen as it’s not definite
if he’s staying in the 77 or moving on. If he moves go the 41; he’ll score a top
ten finish in that car for sure.
Just don’t know category; Terry Labonte, Casey Atwood, Kenny Wallace, Ward
Burton. Ward won the 500, but had a lot of trouble off and on since that. Terry
& Kenny, nothing to write home about, and the trials and tribulations of
Casey Atwood and the Evernham organization took their toll, leaving Atwood with
a dismal finish, and no ride for next season.
Most likely not to category;
Well, one driver we blew it with; Mark Martin. Who would have thought he
would be in the hunt for the title right up ’til the end of the season.
Bill Elliott; just, a very unremarkable season.
Michael Waltrip; well he won a race, and there were a few races he managed to
finish okay, but he just doesn’t have the right reflexes.
Jeremy Mayfield; how does a big fat "I told you so!" sound. The
talk is that Evernham is looking to shake up the organization; the call is out
for a new crew chief and possibly a driver. And so, at this point are we
supposed to feel sorry for Mayfield…not going to happen.
Robby Gordon; he got a little better; managing to keep the car in one piece
for a few races, but he still, at times, makes some moves that you just shake
your head at.
Kurt Busch – well I don’t know how I missed him, but with four wins, he’s
left everyone waiting to see what he’ll do next season.
Other Notes:
Stewart will be a great champion and if there’s something said that may be
considered slightly off-centered on occasion, so what? Reading all these
articles where reporters are expressing concern about how Tony will act is, in
my opinion, absurd. Tony is an emotional person; that’s just who he is. Having
to cater to the press is not a role that he needs to assume; and there are many
reporters who seem to have no problem with him at all. Kind of makes you wonder.
Congratulations Tony – enjoy!
That’s it for now