NASCAR's Young Guns

As NASCAR limps into its ALL Star weekend suffering from empty seats at the track and a record low Television rating for the race last week at Dover there is reason to be optimistic. So many fans have been searching for a "new" favorite driver after the retirements of such stars as Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, and the soon to be retired Tony Stewart. Enter perhaps the best group of rookie and young drivers seen in this sport in decades.

One season removed from the debuts of Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson, NASCAR is joined by Chase Elliot, who replaces Jeff Gordon in the 24 car, and Ryan Blaney who drives the 21 car for the Woods Brothers. Have there been 4 young drivers with this much talent and potential to join the Sprint Cup series in consecutive years? Add the teenager Eric Jones and Ty Dillon currently staring in the Xfinity Series and the future of NASCAR seems as bright as ever.

In a sport that seemed to be searching for its cornerstone since the tragic loss of Dale Earnhardt Sr., these 6 young drivers may very well move this sport forward into the next decades. Daryl Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt passed the baton to Jeff Gordon who passed it to Jimmie Johnson who now looks to pass the baton on to the next superstar.

With Kyle Busch looming and the wonderfully talented group of youngsters, the baton will soon be passed. NASCAR has never been in a better spot.

Enjoy the All Star events from Charlotte this weekend. I'll be joining Frank, Taylor and the gang on the Morning Show on WTBQ, Monday morning at 8:45 to talk about the All Star weekend from Charlotte..