We're Going Streaking: 2014

NASCAR Drivers Who Went Win Less in 2013

By Richard Tix

Last year NASCAR Behind the Wall took a look at drivers who were on a win less streak during the 2013 season. This year #NBTW will take a look at drivers who did not win in 2013 and there chances at breaking that streak in 2014. 2014 will be even more important than any other year in recent history because a win and you are practically in the Chase.

Clint Bowyer

In 2013 Clint Bowyer was very good to start the season, consistently good even, and it looked as if it was only a matter of time before he got a win. The previous season he joined up with MWR and broke through with 3 wins on the season. Bowyer had 8 career wins heading into 2013 and left the season with the same. After a disappointing 7th place finish in the Chase Clint will want to get hot early.  With Bowyer being the guy now, no questions asked, at MWR I think he has the best shot at winning in 2014 (of the 2013 win less drivers).
Will he get one?  #NBTW gives him a 80% chance.





Kurt Busch

Most fans will remember that Kurt Busch was fast in 2013, but those fans will also remember the many mistakes he and his team went through on the way to not finding a win.  After doing a heck of a job at Furniture Row, Kurt has regained and trust enough to gain a ride at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014 and automatically became a contender for a win or two this season.
Will he get one? #NBTW gives him a 70% chance

**Edit: 7/7: This should have been an edit awhile ago, but Kurt Busch broke his streak 6 races into the season at Martinsville. He had struggled early and often but as of late has turned it around a bit. Either way, he has a win in 2014 as many thought he would. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr

On this list, Jr is not number one (unlike the most popular driver list). While I do think he has a good shot at getting a win in 2014 after a strong finish in 2013 I do think that Clint and Kurt slightly edge him.  Why do I think this way? In 2013 Jr still only had a handful of races where he actually was in contention for a win. Add that up, with the fact that in the last few years he seems to only contend at a few tracks and his chances diminish. (This is based on percentages, I actually predict he will finally get multiple wins again in 2014, but the fact remains that isn't a sure thing).
Will he get one? #NBTW gives him a 55% chance

**Edit 2/24/14 Well 2014 has started out well for Jr. After the Daytona 500 he already is off of this list and may make me look good by winning multiple races in 2014. Rejoice Jr Nation he got the first one off his chest early!**

Marcus Ambrose

Ambrose went through 2013 without a win, which isn't a huge shock, until you think about how good he is at road courses. I'm sure in 2014 Ambrose is looking forward to turning right again and trying to get back on track in the win category. Not only did he not win at a road course in 2013, but he also had a pretty rocky season in general.
Will he get one? #NBTW gives him a 30% chance. (If you do the real % he has a 0.05% chance, or two out of 36 race chance)






Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Aric Almirola, and Paul Menard

All of these guys went win less in 2013 and it isn't a huge shock that they did. One thing that we can say is that these guys are all young and can still figure it out and find some wins in there career. In fact, Stenhouse was just a rookie in 2013 and has shown some promise. Last season Almirola started off pretty consistent, finding top 15's most weeks, and then the wheels fell off. Menard is the only one of these three that has a win but he seems to be what he is, a top 20 driver who may find a win every few years along the way.
Will they get one? #NBTW gives all of them added up to get one win a 25% chance (about a 8.33% chance each).

**Edit: 7/7: It may have been rain shortened, but Aric Almirola still got his first NASCAR Sprint Cup win at Daytona for the Firecracker 400 (Coke Zero 400). With that win he almost locks himself in the Chase and give RPM a chance to get both drivers in if Ambrose can get it done at Watkins Glenn or gain a few points (12 points out of 16th as of 7/7).

Others still out there: Danica Patrick, Casey Mears, David Gilliland, and Jeff Burton

Who will get a win? Let your voice be heard on Twitter, contact me or use #NBTW.

I think all three could get a win in 2014! 

Jr Nation speaks! Maybe Daytona?

So many coaches gone on Black Monday, David thinks Ambrose would get the can in NASCAR

Jr seems to be in a part of his career many fan (like/dislike) would like to see him win.

Well the article was almost in the "coming days." Kurt gets one in his SHR ride after a win less 2013?

Thanks again Twitter World! Seems like this question was still in the air according to NASCAR fans on Twitter. NASCAR Behind the Wall did have some strong support from Jr, so if we had to pick a Twitter favorite it would be him (but whats new!!). Thank you everyone for your comments and interaction on Twitter!