My 2017 NASCAR Monster Series Season Preview
As the NASCAR season enters its 2017 season, there are new rules, new drivers and new rides that complicate predicting the sweet sixteen who will vie for the Monster Series Championship. Factor in the wild card of win a race and likely get in and predicting the sixteen is not worthy of much of a wager. So for what it’s worth here is my pick for the final sixteen.
Jimmie Johnson
Speaking of odds, what are the odds that a Jimmie Johnson could go an entire season without winning a race? Probably not quite as high as my chances of winning this week’s Powerball Lottery but pretty high I’d imagine. The real question is, can Jimmie win an 8th title? Stay tuned.
Kyle Busch
Kyle’s another driver whom it would seem impossible not to visit victory lane at some time to capture their 2nd Championship. The Joe Gibbs Toyota’s were the class of the field last season so it’d be no surprise to see one of his cars take home the new Monster Championship trophy at seasons end.
Joey Logano
Could this be the year that Logano puts his name among NASCAR superstars? Logano has matured as a race car driver, proving that he is capable of winning on any NASCAR track. His victory last season at Watkins Glen provided proof that the young man from Connecticut is ready to win a Championship. I’m thinking this might be his year.
Brad Keselowski
With the retirement of Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards, Brad might now be that veteran voice in the garage that demands respect. He’s also one of the top drivers in all of NASCAR. Penske Fords are coming off back to back highly successful season and with the addition of Stewart Haas Racing move to Ford, the Fords may be extremely competitive for the Manufacturing Championship. Brad will play a huge part in that.
Kevin Harvick
Speaking of Stewart Haas, their leader, Kevin Harvick, at first was less than thrilled with the teams move from Chevrolet to Ford. I suspect by mid season Happy Harvick will like what he’s driving. A strong contender to capture his 2nd Championship.
Chase Elliott
It was kind of strange not seeing the #24 car in victory lane last season. I think that’s going to change this season. Elliott, while replacing the legend Jeff Gordon, more than held his own as a rookie. Making the Championship round may have been satisfying for he and his team last season but I’m guessing they are looking to do a little more damage this season.
Kyle Larson
A key part of the young guns ready to step in to carry NASCAR into the next decade. Larson’s “give it your all” driving style will be hugely popular among NASCAR fans. He’s one of those drivers who fans want to see race. Entertaining with a capital “E”.
Martin Truex Jr.
Has anyone ever had a better season in NASCAR and NOT won a Championship? Truex was a dominant car week in and week out. For Truex and company it may come down to that final stretch of races. With Eric Jones joining the Furniture Row team, Truex could be even stronger in 2017.
Kurt Busch
Kurt talked about the smooth transition his team has had since Stewart Haas moved from Chevrolet to Ford for the 2017 season. Kurt, a former Ford driver, will most likely take to the Fords quicker than his teammates. Thirteen years have passed since this Busch last Championship. He’s like nothing more than to gain his second one this season.
Austin Dillon
Austin is coming off one of his most consistent seasons. The 26 year old Dillon made the Chase last season, finishing the season in 14th place. Although winless in his three years in NASCAR, the #3 Richard Childress car showed lots of speed last season. He’s on the cusp of attaining that first victory.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Is there a driver who heads into this season with more anticipation than Jr.? Will his health hold up all season? If the answer is yes than expect Junior to be a strong contender for his 1st Championship. There might not be too many opportunities left in Junior’s career. He and his team have to be all in.
Denny Hamlin
In 2014 Hamlin finished a mere 6 points behind Champion Kevin Harvick. We know how strong the Joe Gibbs Toyota’s have been so look for Hamlin to once again be a strong contender for this year’s trophy. Going into the 2016 Chase, Denny had to be one of the favorites but never seriously challenged. Look for that to change this season.
Clint Bowyer
The personable Bowyer has always been one of those drivers fan friendly no matter where he finishes a race. For the last couple of seasons that finish has been much too close to the bottom for such a skilled driver. It’s been 149 races since Bowyer took the checkered flag. It’s also been that many races since he’s had a ride with a well-funded team. His move to Stewart Haas racing could very well change his fortunes.
Ryan Newman
Ryan missed the playoffs last season after a very strong showing in 2015. The “Rocket Man” would love to join Austin Dillon as the 2nd Richard Childress car in the playoffs. Ryan will have to match his consistent finishes of 2015 to get there. I think he does exactly that.
Matt Kenseth
Another strong Joe Gibbs racing team led by a wily veteran. How many times have we spent watching a race, hardly ever hearing of the #20 Toyota, until the final few laps and viola, there he is. Expect much more of the same from Kenseth this season. The clock is running down on the 44 yerar old Wisconsin native. He’d love nothing more than to add a second NASCAR Championship ro a steller career.
Eric Jones
Furniture Row racing has had tremendous success while being a one car team driven by Martin Truex Jr. Bigger doesn’t always translate to better but the super talented 20 year old Eric Jones will make a name for himself in NASCAR’s premier season. If not this year than soon. I’m thinking it’ll be this season.
Some other drivers to watch:
Kasey Kahne:
This very well could be the make or break season for Kahne. Kahne seemed to have found speed towards the tail end of last season. If that trend continues Kahne could see himself back in the playoffs.
AJ Allmendinger
As long as the NASCAR season includes road courses you can’t be surprised if Allmendinger finds his way to a victory. He’ll have 2 shots at winning.
Danica Patrick
While I think it’s highly unlikely that Patrick makes the playoffs, its probably a season where big improvement need to be seen. Failing that puts her ride at risk.
Daniel Suarez
Replacing Carl Edwards on a very strong Joe Gibbs racing team should have Suarez sitting pretty for the next several seasons. There will be a learning curve for sure but when this young man gains that experience, watch out.
Ty Dillon
Ty has won in all the series he’s been in. Another one of those drivers of the future. A learning season for Ty but it’ll be fun to watch.
Ryan Blaney
The NASCAR youth movement continues with Ryan. The Woods Brothers team showed improvement during the 2016 season. If that trend continues, this team will make some noise in 2017.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
The once mighty Roush Fenway Racing team is now down to just two cars. Will that allow sufficient resources for the talented Stenhouse to be competitive in 2017?
Thanks for reading. Listen to WTBQ radio on Monday and Friday mornings at 8:45 as I join Frank, Taylor and the Morning Show gang to discuss all the current happenings in NASCAR. 1110AM 93.5FM or online at WTBQ.COM. You can also follow me on twitter @JimLaplante.
