The landscape of the NASCAR universe is greatly changing. For those of you unhappy with the status quo of NASCAR’s second series, things are going to be a changing over the next few years. Already, we see that the two series will be running very different cars, and the benefits of running this series will start to be lost for Cup regulars. On top of that, NASCAR is going to change the minimum age for drivers of the Cup series from 18 to 21. That means that very talented rookies, such as Joey Logano, are going to have time to develop their skills in the Nationwide Series. For now, let’s take a look at this series, broken down by manufacturer.
TOYOTA
Toyota adds some big-time talent to its Nationwide Series lineup. Coming to the table is Joe Gibbs Racing and their trio of talented Cup regulars. Along with them come May, rookie phenom Logano will be running in this series as well. Add to that the always-talented Jason Leffler, and the returning of David Reutimann, and Toyota’s chances at a Nationwide Title are not that far off.
As Germain Racing, a Truck Series mainstay, enters this series full time in 2008, driver Mike Wallace brings along his Gieco Sponsorship, as well as his talent, especially at tracks like Daytona and Talladega. I do not think that they will win a race, but a top ten finish in the points could lay the groundwork for a multi-car team come 2009, with Todd Bodine returning to a series in which he has excelled.
To compliment Leffler’s team, Braun Racing is attempting to find sponsorship for their #10 car to be driven by either Dave Blaney or Brian Vickers. Do not count that team out, since they won a race in 2006 with Blaney behind the wheel.
All in all, Toyota should make some noise in 2008. All things considered, they should be able to improve on their two wins from 2007. Leffler and Wallace are more than capable of finishing in the top ten in points, and Reutimann is driven to win a title. He may be their best chance for said title in the coming season.
If we were to rank the Toyota teams, it would probably look something like this:
1. David Reutimann
2. Jason Leffler
3. Joey Logano, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin
DODGE
The future of this make seems to be in question. Ever since the sale of the parent company to a private equity firm, no one seems to know if this nameplate has a future in this sport or not. Despite having some very talented drivers in their stable, Dodge managed only three wins in 2007. Since almost none of their teams ran the entire schedule, beyond Steven Wallace, they had only that car in the top twenty in points.
Steven Wallace will be getting Chase Austin as a new teammate in 2008, fresh from the Busch east tour, who will drive the #64 Dodge for Rusty Wallace Inc. in 15 races. David Stremme will take over for several others, and road course ringer Max Papis will drive the three road course races. I would not bet highly on that team, but Austin is a comer and may shock the world.
Gillette Evernham Racing is likely to run two teams full-time, the #9 and the #19, beyond getting Patrick Carpentier much valued seat time. This team is definitely looking to get some of their swagger back.
Penske Racing may not run their Nationwide team this season, as they try to evolve into a three-team operation in the Cup Series.
Ganassi again will be using this series to develop his open wheel stars into stock car stars. I would expect Dario Franchitti and Juan Pablo Montoya to be in the car on most weekends. Along with them, I would bet that the #41 car runs most weekends with either Reed Sorenson or developmental driver Bryan Clauson.
Nationwide Series mainstays Fitz Racing could be back with a talented group of drivers this season. Mike Bliss is expected to run full-time in their #22 car, but as of now, no plans have been announced. The team has also spoken with Kenny Wallace about running a second car, however, sponsorship there seems to be an issue.
More than likely, Petty Enterprises will enter the series for the first time. The Petty’s have a standing policy of not accepting alcohol-related sponsorships, and therefore, have not been a part of this series in quite some time. Now, they are looking to develop driver Chad McCumbee to one day take over Kyle’s #45 cup ride full-time. It would not surprise me at all to see this talented Truck Series driver getting regular seat time in this series.
Since most of these cars are not going to be running the entire schedule with the same driver lineups, it is impossible to rank them. When this series is in Mexico in April, or Montreal and Watkins Glen in August, I would definitely put Montoya and Franchiti on your fantasy roster. Other than that, I would avoid running Dodge teams from week to week. |
