2016 Happy New Year: NASCAR Addition

By Richard Tix

Two year's ago I started the NASCAR New Year article, so I thought I would revisit it again in 2016. This article is dedicated to the NASCAR drivers who will be celebrating a little harder then the rest. No, not Kyle Busch after he won the Championship, but rather guys who want to forget the 2015 season all together. If you need a reminder of how it works, look back at last years Happy New Year: NASCAR Addition.

Tony Stewart

Smoke is a three time New Years Article Champion...He has been a part of this article since I started it in 2014. At least next year he won't make the cut, but only because we know he is retiring after the 2016 season. Smoke actually had a worse year in 2015 than he did in 2015 (0 wins, 0 top 5's, and 3 top 10's). Even if you are not a fan of Tony Stewart, most NASCAR fans are hoping for one last swan song in 2016 as he exits Cup. Good luck in 2016, hopefully Smoke will finally Rise in 2016.

Greg Biffle

Biffle is back on this list for back to back years. I guess the plus side is he isn't Stewart who has swept all three articles. Roush Fenway Racing still isn't giving these guys enough week to week, but not all the blame can be laid on the team. The car's were not that much different from 2014, yet Biffle had seven less top 10's (4 total). It was another long year fr Biffle who might not be around for much longer, so he is looking for a few more runs at a title before he retires.

Kasey Kahne

2015 was a season to forget for Kasey Kahne. It was one of his worst season's pf his career (maybe only 2007 was worse). He finished with 0 wins, 3 top 5's, and 10 top 10's. Even if he is the fourth car in the Hendrick stable, anyone with those cars should be doing a bit better. I don't know what to say, because I do think Kahne has the talent. Maybe he needs a new team? Maybe Gordon leaving will give him more spotlight (doubtful with Chase coming in)? No matter how you look at it, Kahne wants 2016 to come so he has a shot at winning and getting a Chase spot like 2014.

Kyle Larson

That was a sophomore slump if I have ever seen one.Most figured 2015 would be another stepping stone for Larson, but instead we wait for 2016 to see if he can get his rookie mojo back. He has still yet to win a Cup race and the pressure will be on in 2016 to get to Victory Lane. The new low down force package may help him out so we will see if he can avoid this New Year's list next year.

Matt Kenseth

Kenseth is easily the most successful driver that made this list. However, the way the season ended he may want to forget about it and focus on 2016. He and Joey Logano might be best served not holding this grudge into the new season as it hurts both of there chances for a Championship. His years as a true title contender will start dwindling soon, but for now he and JGR have a legit shot at a Championship in 2016.

Happy New Year Race Fans!