| Written by Josh Lobdell |
|
Posted on 12/18/2007 8:55:03 PM |
Matt Kenseth, #17, Dewalt Ford
Kenseth will face a unique challenge in 2008 – his long-time crew chief, Robby Reiser, has moved to a General Manager position overseeing the entire Roush Cup program. Chip Bolin, his current car chief, or Drew Blickensderfer, his Nationwide Series crew chief, will take the reins. Kenseth is generally solid for at least 2 wins each season. I would bet that he will win the spring California race for a third straight year. He excels at the 1.5 mile tracks which are the NASCAR mainstay in today’s racing.
Greg Biffle, #16, 3M Ford
Crew chief Greg Irwin has righted the #16’s ship. They won at Kansas late in the 2007 season and should be a player for the 2008 Chase. All of the Roush cars are strong on the 1.5 mile tracks, but Biffle’s best track is the season finale at Homestead.
Carl Edwards, #99, Office Depot Ford
After reuniting with crew chief Bob Osborne midway through the 2006 season, Edwards went on to win three times in 2007. He has made the Chase in two of his three full-time Cup seasons, and Edwards is good for at least 4 cup wins in 2008. He is very suited for concrete racetracks like Dover, and the short tracks like Bristol and Martinsville.
Jamie McMurray, #26, Crown Royal Ford
McMurray won his second career race, and first for Roush, at the summer Daytona race. The addition of crew chief Larry Carter has given this team a lot of confidence. However, at the end of the day, they are still getting the fourth best equipment that Roush has to offer. McMurray might be good for a win and to make the Chase, but I would not rely on him as a cornerstone in any of the 36 weeks.
David Ragan, #6, AAA Ford
Ragan has shown flashes of promise over the 2007 season, and I think that he may be one of NASCAR’s first-time winners in 2008. He did finish the 2007 Daytona 500 in 5th place, a race in which Roush has never won. He also finished 3rd at the fall Richmond race. I like Ragan as a lower-tier pick most weeks because he should be getting better and better with more seat time. |
