Behind the Wall: January 2016

Friday, January 29, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Joey Logano

Joey Logano 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Everything but Martinsville went Joey Logano's way in 2016. He lead NASCAR with 6 wins and 28 top 10's (tied with Harvick), while coming up with the second most top 5's (22 to Harvicks 23) and he kicked off the season with his first career Daytona 500 win. He was a Championship favorite and went on to win Charlotte, Kansas, and Taladega during the Chase in back to back to back races.

Then came the race that shaped his season whether he likes it or not, Martinsville.

After Martinsville it was and uphill battle to get a win before the final round moved to Miami. JoLo came up short and the season for he and Matt Kenseth will forever be remembered for Kansas and Martinsville.

But, on the positive note Joey announced he was here to stay after a break out season in 2014. He finally has got to the level where Mark Martin could see him getting to when he called him "sliced bread." So, will he finally be Champion in 2016?

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

I have Joey Logano back in the Final Four in 2016, much like 2014. Last year I was between BK and him making the final, and the one I picked would be the Champion. I went BK, but I would have been wrong either way. That's how crazy the new Chase is. I am not sure 2016 will be as successful as 2015 was according to the basic stats, but JoLo will have another nice season. I see 3-5 wins, 17-18 top 5's, and 20-22 Top 10's which are all down from 2015, but he could end up farther in the Chase.

Previous Driver Spotlights

We're Going Streaking 2016

NASCAR Drivers on a Current Win-Less Streak

By Richard Tix

For the fourth straight year NASCAR Behind the Wall is bringing back the drivers streaking article. No, you favorite driver still has his clothes on (sorry Kasey Kahne fans, we are not that type of site), but rather your driver maybe on a long streak without a Cup win.

"We're... We're going streaking! We're going up the quad and to the gymnasium."

"But... everybody's doing it."

Paul Menard (Streak Number: 160)

The last time Menard had a win gas prices were $3.50 a gallon, LMFAO was still a group and released "Party Rock Anthem," Charlie Sheen was finally fired from "Two and a Half Men," and Osama Bin Laden was killed. The year was 2011 and 160 races ago. In 327 career Cup races that is Menard's only win, so it is safe to assume this streak may continue to grow.

Clint Bowyer (Streak Number: 113)

Clint Bowyer's win-less streak isn't quite as long as Menard, but it might be even more impressive (in a bad way). That's because before this streak of 113 races without a win, Bowyer had 8 wins in 253 races (or 1 every 32 races). It will get even harder in 2016 as he moved to HScott Motorsports for a season after MWR shut down.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr (Streak Number: 112)

After winning 8 races in 107 Xfinity races (Nationwide at the time) I think a bit more was expected out of Ricky at the Cup level. Not every driver transitions with easy and at the same rate, but Ricky hasn't even really sniffed a win at the Cup level. In fact, he only has three top 5's in those 112 races (one each of the past three season's). With his struggles combining with the struggles of RFR this could be a long streak.

Greg Biffle (Streak Number: 93)

Speaking of RFR struggles, those same struggles haven't helped Biffle the past few years. Biffle is at a time in his career where win's might become few and far between, but he is still a capable driver if he only could get some speed from his car. RFR used to be very good at tracks like Michigan and other tracks similar, which always gave him a shot to win. I am not sure he can get another win unless RFR gives him a bit more than they have the past few years.

Ryan Newman (Streak Number: 88)

Newman is succeeding in the last few years despite winning. RCR hasn't been the fastest team out there, but they haven't necessarily been bad either. Ever since 2004 Newman hasn't done much more then win a race a season here and there, so these type streaks are bound to happen. But he has been running so consistent lately that you would think he would snap it by luck eventually. Maybe 2016 is the year. His numbers have stayed on par and his average finishes have actually been career bests, so he might be the best candidate so far on the list to get a win in 2016.

Austin Dillon (Streak Number: 85)

I left Dillon and Larson off the list after just one season. This might even be unfair heading into season number three for both young drivers, but both came to the Cup level with plenty of hype so I feel it is just. The last two season's Dillon hasn't flashed a ton when it comes to the potential of being a front runner. He has been an alright driver that can finish plenty around the 13-20 range, but it is tough to win when back in that spot. Between he and Larson, I see Dillons streak continuing to grow for awhile.

Tony Stewart (Streak Number: 80)

It is Stewart's last season in 2016, so if he doesn't win his streak will stand still to end hi career. He has 48 career wins, won a race in 15 straight seasons, all before going on his current 80 race win-less streak. The past few season's really have been a tough way to see his career end, but we may also witness it end with a 116 win-less streak after 2016.

Jamie McMurray (Streak Number: 76)

After Newman, Jamie McMurray might be the next in line to break his streak so far on this list. He has never been a consistent winner over his career (7 wins in 474 races), but he has proven to be an exceptional super speedway type with a chance to pull off a win at a handful of other tracks. The past two seasons he has run very well, so 2016 could be the year of JMac and another Daytona/Dega win, but it is still a long shot.

Kyle Larson (Streak Number: 75)

Just like Dillon, it might be early in there career to get on this list, but both have had enough hype to justify this spot early on. After a great rookie season, Larson was getting preseason hype going into 2015 and most thought he would get his first win, if not two. He fell into a big Sophomore slump and now heads into 2016 with the pressure of winning as other young guns enter Cup (Elliott, Blaney, and Buescher). Out of anyone on this list I have the most confidence in Larson to break his streak in 2016. I am not positive it will happen, but he is the first on this list in my mind to get a win.

*The Streak Number is the number at the beginning of the 2016 season. All numbers have been extended once the season starts and some drivers may finally beat the streak. However, the article will not be updated every week to reflect the 2016 races that have gone by.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowski 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Brad Keselowski Career Paint Schemes

2015 wasn't a bad season for BK (see 2013), but it wasn't the standard we have been seeing lately out of the driver of the Blanco Deuce. BK actually posted a career high in top 10's, and also should have ended the season with more than one win, but almost every driver has times during a given season where they should have won but a ruling (caution) came out and stole it.

It did seem like it happened more often to BK than anyone in 2015, but that's how racing goes. In the end he ended 2015 with just 1 win and 9 top 5's which are both low marks for him lately, meanwhile his teammate Joey Logano was one of the best cars all season.

Ford has changed there car a bit in 2016 and it will be interesting to see how it effects the Penske drivers early on. They have really been the only quality Ford's for the past 3-4 seasons so if they start to falter then Ford is left with no one.

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

Just like after 2013, I see another big come back season for BK in 2016. Since 2011 he has 16 wins in 180 races, which is a win every 11.25 races. That's not a bad mark to have in your last 5 seasons (he has only raced 6 full time years). I do see another 3-4 wins, 10-13 top 10's, and 20-22 top 10's in 2016 and also for BK to be a legit contender at the end of the season. The key will be making the final four, which I think BK will do.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Carl Edwards Career Paint Schemes

After Matt Kenseth got to JGR a few years ago and dominated and Kevin Harvick did the same at SHR, it felt like Carl Edwards might do the same getting new life with a new team. However, that was not the case when he first stepped into the JGR #19 in 2015.

In fact, he had a very slow start until all of JGR started to take off when Kyle Busch came back from injury. Carl took that momentum and finished the season with 13 top 10's in his last 18 races including a win and all of them being top 15's.

With his first season at JGR under his belt Carl will look to take that second half momentum and roll it into a more well rounded 2016 season.

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

I really expect Carl to improve upon his 2015 season with JGR and give a better full season performance compared to last year. I think we might see 3 back flips, 8-10 top 5's, and 16-18 top 10's. He should once again easily make the Chase, but might struggle to finish 5th as he did in 2015 because of the nature of the new Chase.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Dale Earnhardt Jr

Dale Earnhardt Jr 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Dale Earnhardt Jr Career Paint Schemes

The Junior revival is in full force. Since 2012 he has turned a page in his career and become a much more balanced and consistent Cup driver. He has wins in three of four of those seasons, at least double digit top 5's in all four, and 20+ top 10's in all four.

In the last two he has put up 4 and 3 wins which has given him his best back to back season's since 2003 and 2004 when he put up 2 wins and 6 wins.

I think we have now seen the Junior that we will come to expect yearly and continue to see in 2016.

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

I think Jr moves past the first two rounds again in 2016 (missed it in 2015 and finished 12th), which is the round with 8 drivers left. Once there, I think he will make a push for the finale at Miami, but I do think he will come up short. However, it wont surprise me if he finally makes the final four. I think 2-3 wins, 12-14 top 5's, and 19-21 top 10's are in the cards for Earnhardt, which are all just a bit down from 2015.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Monday, January 25, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Jimmie Johnson Career Paint Schemes

The past two season's even under the old Chase system Jimmie Johnson wouldn't have won a title, but it still isn't easy for JJ's fans to swallow a 11th and 10th place points finish. Especially considering he has 9 wins, 25 top 5's, and 42 top 10's combined in the last two years.

Those don't sound like down numbers at all. Either way, six time would still be six time no matter the system.

Looking past that, you have to think one of these years he will make it past the second round and from there he will be a force. Is 2016 the season?

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

As it is every year, JJ's expectations are to win a Championship and nothing less. When you have six titles you always go into a season Championship or bust. The pressure will continue to mount yearly to get to the magic number of 7, and if he ever does it will ramp up to get to 8. I am not sure 8 will ever happen, but 7 should be the main goal anyways. I think 2016 might be the year he finally gets closer to the final four. With 4-5 wins, 14-16 top 5's, and 21-23 top 10's JJ will be back on his game and finally figure out how to get past the second round, and most likely into the final's.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Friday, January 22, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Denny Hamlin Career Paint Schemes

The way the new Chase works you can actually have a better overall season by a long shot and still not make the final four like you did the season prior. Just ask Denny Hamlin all about that. In 2014 he may have been the least deserving of a final four spot in the final.

In 2015 he doubled his top 5's (7 to 14) while also notching more wins (1 to 2) and top 10's (18 to 20 total). However, he ran into the trouble late at Dega that locked in the fate of many drivers and it left him short of the next round.

In 2016 he will look to mix the results of getting to Miami from 2014, with the quality all around season of 2015 to make a complete season and possibly help JGR win back to back Championships.

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

After Denny's injury in 2013 it has been a slow climb back to the caliber he was at before it. Some of that was Denny, and some of that has been the season long power of JGR. In 2016 I think he continues his jump back to the old Denny once again. That means 3-4 wins, 12-14 top 5's, and 18-20 top 10's with a chance to notch his highest ever top 10 mark (currently it is 20). I do think Denny will be one of the top drivers of 2016 and will be a favorite heading into the Chase.

Previous Driver Spotlights

NASCAR Hall of Fame

Members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame

By Richard Tix

Starting in 2010 NASCAR started introducing 5 NASCAR racing legends a year into the Hall of Fame. Here is a list of each Class and there year they were introduced.

Class of 2016

Jerry Cook- Driver
Bobby Isaac- Driver
Terry Labonte- Driver
O. Bruton Smith- Executive/Promoter
Curtis Turner- Driver

Class of 2015

Bill Elliott- Driver
Fred Lorenzen- Driver
Wendell Scott- Driver/Owner
Joe Weatherly- Driver
Rex White- Driver/Owner

Class of 2014

Tim Flock- Driver
Jack Ingram- Driver
Dale Jarrett- Driver
Maurice Petty- Engine Builder
Fireball Roberts- Driver

Class of 2013

Buck Baker- Driver
Cotton Owens- Driver/Owner
Herb Thomas- Driver
Rusty Wallace- Driver
Lenard Wood- Crew Chief/Engine Builder

Class of 2012

Cale Yarborough- Driver
Darrell Waltrip- Driver
Dale Inman- Crew Chief
Richie Evans- Driver
Glen Wood- Driver/Owner

Class of 2011

Bobby Allison- Driver
Ned Jarrett- Driver
Bud Moore- Owner
David Pearson- Driver
Lee Petty- Driver

Class of 2010

Dale Earnhardt- Driver
Bill France Jr.- Executive
Bill France Sr.- Executive
Junior Johnson- Driver/Owner
Richard Petty- Driver

2016 NASCAR All Time Wins Leaders

A Drivers List of the All Time Wins in NASCAR History Heading into 2016

By Richard Tix

Its simple, a look back at who has the most wins heading into the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup season in Cup History. Here is the list at the start of the 2015 season.

Richard Petty. Hall of Fame- 200
David Pearson. Hall of Fame- 105
Jeff Gordon.- 93
Bobby Allison. Hall of Fame- 84
Darrell Waltrip. Hall of Fame- 84
Cale Yarborough. Hall of Fame- 83
Dale Earnhardt. Hall of Fame- 76
Jimmie Johnson. Still Active- 75
Rusty Wallace. Hall of Fame- 55
Lee Petty. Hall of Fame- 54
Ned Jarrett. Hall of Fame- 50
Junior Johnson. Hall of Fame- 50
Tony Stewart. Still Active- 48
Herb Thomas. Hall of Fame- 48
Buck Baker. Hall of Fame- 46
Bill Elliott. Hall of Fame- 44
Mark Martin- 40
Tim Flock. Hall of Fame- 39
Bobby Isaac. Hall of Fame- 37
Matt Kenseth. Still Active- 36
Kyle Busch. Still Active- 34
Fireball Roberts. Hall of Fame- 33
Dale Jarrett. Hall of Fame- 32
Kevin Harvick. Still Active- 31
Rex White. Hall of Fame- 28
Kurt Busch. Still Active- 27
Fred Lorenzen. Hall of Fame- 26
Dale Earnhadrt Jr. Still Active- 26
Denny Hamlin. Still Active- 26
Jim Paschal- 25
Joe Weatherly. Hall of Fame- 25
Carl Edwards. Still Active- 25
Ricky Rudd- 22
Terry Labonte. Hall of Fame- 22
Jeff Burton- 21
Bobby Labonte- 21
Benny Parsons- 21
Jack Smith- 21
Speedy Thompson- 20
Davey Allison- 19
Buddy Baker- 19
Greg Biffle. Still Active- 19
Fonty Flock- 19
Geoffrey Bodine- 18
Neil Bonnett- 18
Harry Gant- 18
Brad Keselowski. Still Active- 17
Kasey Kahne. Still Active- 17
Ryan Newman. Still Active- 17
Marvin Panch- 17
Curtis Turner. Hall of Fame- 17
Ernie Irvan- 15
Joey Logano. Still Active- 14
Dick Hutcherson- 14
LeeRoy Yarbrough- 14
Dick Rathmann- 13
Tim Richmond- 13
Donnie Allison- 10
Sterling Marlin- 10

**Red: An Active Driver in the Cup Series**

Many more drivers in NASCAR history have at least one win, but I wanted to focus on the guys who have at least double digit wins for the sake of keeping this short. MRN.com has the full list of drivers who have won at the Cup level if you are interested in looking deeper.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

2016 NASCAR News Central

By Richard Tix

This year NASCAR Behind the Wall is adding an extra feature, a quick link to NASCAR News. I will continually track and update news on this main page. Sponsor news, contract talk, team talk, driver changes, driver news, and much more (Newest to oldest).

News Central
Sponsor News

Dollar General to leave Matt Kenseth and JGR after 2016
Kasey Kahne will be sponsored by Shark Week again at Sonoma
Premium Motorsports/Reed Sorenson has added the World Record Striper Company for three races
BUBBA burger Joins David Ragan for Sprint All-Star Race Weekend and Coca-Cola 600
Driver to Fight Hunger joins Kasey Kahne.
DiBenedetto gets sponsor for Richmond: E.J. Wade Construction
WIX Filters Extends Partnership with Richard Childress Racing
CARSTAR North America partners with Axalta, to be featured on #88 at Kansas
Go Bowling to sponsor RPM and Brian Scott at Kansas
Gilliland to race at Talladega
ScienceLogic will sponsor Ryan Ellis for at least three races in the #93 BK Racing Camry
Janssen Arnie's Army Charitable Foundation on the SHR #14 for Auto Club
Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters to sponsor Cole Whitt in the #98 in 2016
Schluter Systems will sponsor Matt DiBenedetto's in the No. 83 Toyota Camry at PIR
Snap Fitness will sponsor Landon Cassill again in 2016 (Photo's here)
Speed Stick joins Premium Motorsports to sponsor Whitt
SunnyD will sponsor Ricky Stenhouse Jr as a primary for five races in 2016
Tweaker Energy Shots will be Premium Motorsports sponsor at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Fr8Auctions sponsoring Cassill
Sewanee University to sponsor DiBenedetto
Aaron's to sponsor Clint Bowyer at Atlanta
Roush Performance will be on the #16 at Atlanta
Valvoline to sponsor Paul Menard for four races in 2016 (co-primary/hood sponsorship)
Auto-Owners Insurance to sponsor Martin Truex Jr for three races in 2016
Aarons signs on with Waltrip for Talledega (GEICO 500, May 1st)
Snap Fitness will sponsor Landon Cassill again in 2016 for select races.
RTIC Coolers to sponsor Cole Whitt, Premium Motorsports, in the #98 for the Daytona 500
Credit One to sponsor Jamie McMurray for three races in 2016 (Photos here)
Florida Lottery will sponsor Landon Cassill for the Daytona 500 and all of speedweeks.
M&M's to run 75th anniversary scheme in 2016 (Photos on 2016 Paint Scheme Page)
Reed Sorenson to be sponsored by CRC BRAKLEEN for the Daytona 500
Jimmie Johnson's Lowes "Red Vest" Sponsored Car will be run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
BK Racing #26 to be sponsored by Stalk for the Daytona 500
SunEnergy1 to sponsor Chase Elliott in 2016. More details to come when its official
SKF will sponsor Brad Keselowski for the Sprint Unlimited
Visine to sponsor Clint Bowyer for three races in 2016
Sport Clips will sponsor Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards for two races each.
Keen Parts/Corvetteparts.net will be back on the #32 again in 2016
Sherwin Williams to stick with Jamie McMurray again in 2016
CSX extends sponsorship with the #34 for 8 races in 2016. It's CSX's 4th consecutive season sponsoring in NASCAR for the #34.
Tony Stewarts sponsorship with Bass Pro Shops is reduced after Truex news (9 races). Smoke to get 2-3 races as primary.
Thrivent Financial will once again sponsor Michael McDowell. 15 races in 2016
General Mills to sponsor Ty Dillon in the Daytona 500 (#95) (Photos here).
Nexteer Automotive will be Associate Sponsor for Ty Dillon in the #95
Smithfield will sponsor Aric Almirola for 31 races in 2016
Love’s Travel Shops moves from the #38 to the #34 with Buescher for 18 races.
Martin Truex Jr lands Bass Pro Shops as primary sponsor for 9 races in 2016.
Greg Biffle adds a multi-race KFC sponsorship in 2016 (loses Ortho).
Scott brings Shore Lodge sponsorship with him to RPM (Cup).

Team/Driver News

HMS, SHR, and RCR News

Kevin Harvick signs 5 year extension with SHR (SHR)
Chase Elliott won All Star Fan vote, Danica Patrick second (HMS/SHR)
Tony Stewart to return at Richmond. Start Dega but Ty will take over (SHR)
Ty Dillon in the #14 for Bristol Motor Speedway (SHR)
Vickers in the #14 for Texas Motor Speedway (SHR)
Vickers in the #14 for Martinsville Speedway (SHR)
Jimmie Johnson wins at Auto Club (HMS)
Vickers in the #14 at Auto Club Speedway (SHR)
Kevin Harvick wins at Phoenix (SHR)
Ty Dillon back in the #14 for Phoenix. (SHR)
Hendrick plane makes emergency landing in Memphis (HMS)
Jimmie Johnson wins Atlanta (HMS)
SHR switching from Chevy to Ford in 2017.
Ty Dillon to run the #14 for SHR at Atlanta Motor Speedway (SHR)
#4 Stewart-Haas Racing Jackman undergoes off season surgery, will miss the start season. (SHR)
#4 and #14 fail post qualifying inspection for Daytona 500. Sent to back of Can-Am Duel
Chase Elliott wins 2016 Daytona 500 Pole (HMS)
#14 car will still be eligible for the Sprint Unlimited even though Tony Stewart will not drive in it. (SHR)
Brian Vickers to run the #14 for Stewart in the Daytona 500. Rumored that Ty Dillon will run some other races after. Official announcement Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET (SHR)
Tony Stewarts replacement to be named Friday 11:30 a.m. ET (SHR)
19 and 41 purchase Charter from folded MWR teams. (SHR)
Tony Stewart will miss the Daytona 500 due to injury (burst fracture of his L1 vertebra). Out indefinitely. (SHR)
Tony Stewart was hospitalized for a back injury after an ATV accident. (SHR)
Circle Sports and RCR create technical alliance for 2016. (RCR)
Tony Stewart to retire at the end of 2016 (SHR)

Penske, RFR, Wood Brothers, and RPM News

Penske is still planning on adding Ryan Blaney with a third Penske car eventually (Penske)
Penkse and SHR will work close in 2017
Brad Keselowski wins at Las Vegas (Penske)
Wood Brothers leaves Race Team Alliance
Chris Buescher joins Front Row Motorsports to drive #34. Alliance with RFR.
Brian Wilson (Penske) promoted to CC of the #22 Xfinity car. (Penske)
Brian Scott and RPM transition the #9 into the #44. (RPM)

JGR and FRR News

Furniture Row drops penalty appeal. Will serve at Phoenix (FRR)
#78 crew chief (Cole Pearn) suspended a race after AMS; team will appeal (FRR)
#78 crew chief placed on probation for roof flap violation after Daytona (FRR)
Denny Hamlin wins the 2016 Daytona 500 (JGR)
19 and 41 purchase Charter from folded MWR teams. (JGR)
Kenseth's spotter not healed enough to be at Daytona 500. Most likely will miss the race (JGR)

Other Team/Driver News

Ryan Ellis to drive the #93 for BK Racing in at least three races
Joey Gase in the #32 for GoFast at Martinsville
Jeffery Earnhardt in the #32 fo GoFast at Auto Club
Joey Gase in the #32 for GoFast at Phoenix
AJ Allmendinger to have sticker honoring Bernie Stowe at Daytona. Sticker reads: "In Loving Memory of Bernie Stowe."
FRM to field car (third car) for David Gilliland at the Daytona 500. The #35 car (FRM)
Reed Sorenson to run for Hillman Racing (#40) at Daytona (Hillman)
Premium to lease Charter to HScott for the #46 (Michael Annett)
BK Racing to run a fourth car at Daytona. Robert Richardson Jr to drive the #26. (BK Racing)
Front Row Racing still thinking of expanding to a second team in 2017 (FRM)
BK Racing will field three teams for the Daytona 500. Michael Waltrip in the #83 and Matt DiBenedetto in the #93. Matt will be back in the #83 the following week. They also will field the #23 for David Ragan. (BK Racing)
Premium Motorsports signs Cole Whitt to driver the #98 in 2016 (Premium)
Dave Winston named Crew Chief of the #95 for Circle Sports/Leavine.
David Ragan will drive the #23 for BK Racing in 2016 (Premium)
Matt DiBenedetto will remain in the #83 for BK Racing (BK Racing)
Regan Smith to drive the #7 for Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2016. The #7 keeps Nikko RC and Road Rippers as majority sponsors.
Tommy Baldwin Racing parts ways with Alex Bowman for 2016 season.
Circle Sports and RCR create technical alliance for 2016.
Ty Dillon to run 5 races in the #95 for Circle Racing. McDowell will run the rest of the schedule.
Donnie Wingo to be CC for Landon Cassill in 2016.
David Ragan to drive the #23 for BK Racing in 2016.
Landon Cassill Joins Front Row Motorsports to drive the #38 (FRM)
Chris Buescher joins Front Row Motorsports to drive #34. Alliance with RFR. (FRM)
Leavine Family Racing becomes Circle Sport Racing.
Clint Bowyer will drive the #15 for HScott Motorsports, not the #51

Other NASCAR News

Dave Blaney injured at Eldora
All-Star Race format changes announced (Here)
41 cars entered at Richmond. First time over 40 since Daytona 500
Pocono tire test 4/19 and 4/20
Roger Penske to drive Indy 500 pace car
Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett named Kansas Grand Marshal
Peyton Manning named Bristol race official
Rumors swirl about a new manufacture in NASCAR. No real meat to the rumor yet.
Andy Grammar will be the All Star Race pre concert
Earnhardt Jr. to donate brain for concussion research
Hillman suing Circle Sport over charter
Lee Brice performing pre-race concert at Charlotte
Hendrick plane makes emergency landing in Memphis
Phoenix extends partnership with O'Reilly Auto Parts
Roush Yates already prepping for Stewart-Haas addition
Only 39 cars of 40 entered for Atlanta (Entry List here)
Eddie Money to play pre-race concert at Kansas
Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson, and Kyle Busch were added to the driver council.
Ken Griffey Jr (MLB HoF) named honorary Daytona 500 Starter
Credit One becomes official credit card of NASCAR
Wrestler John Cena Named Honorary Pace Car Driver
New competition rules were announced including "Overtime Line." Qualifying, points, and G-W-C changed (more here)
Charter System added for the new season. More details here (NASCAR Implements Charter System)
Charter system expected to be announced 2/9/16
Ford and Ford Racing release a new Ford Fusion for 2016 (2017 for actual manufactured street car)

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Matt Kenseth

Matt Kenseth 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Matt Kenseth Career Paint Schemes

It is January 2016 and I think it is time to move on from the Kenseth v JoLo incident in 2015. However, even though it is time to move on does not mean that incident and the outcome did not define most of his season.

It really is unfortunate that many will remember the season because of that, but it is what the new Chase is. In the end though, he had a very productive season that started to heat up right around the time Kyle Busch came back. He ended up with 5 wins, 12 top 5's, and 20 top 10's. He now has 12 wins in three years with JGR.

Going forward it looks like the two drivers will put it behind them, but that all could be offseason talk. One thing is for sure, Kenseth is ready to get 2016 started.

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

Over his career Matt Kesneth has been Mr. Consistent so it is hard not to imagine him posting pretty close numbers to his average. I do not think he will get another 5 wins in 2016, but I do think multiple wins is likely. 2-3 wins, 10-12 top 10's, and 18-19 top 10's is right about where I have Kenseth in 2016. All of those numbers are a bit down from 2015, but I think he will advance further just be not having issues and run in's with Joey Logano.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Kurt Busch Career Paint Schemes

All kinds of news surrounded Kurt entering the 2015 season. He was sidelined by NASCAR because of investigations going on in his personal life. He missed the Daytona 500 and then the next two races to start the season.

Not much was going his way after a disappointing 2014 season, which was his first with SHR. In a career full of ups and downs, it wasn't looking good for Kurt, that was until NASCAR officially cleared him to get back in and driver.

He got to step back behind the wheel at Phoenix and it finally felt like the pieces were falling back into place for him. It had been awhile since Kurt seemed to have it all together, but in 2015 it sure seemed like it.

Moving forward to 2016, he will enter the season with only racing on his mind which might be the best thing that has happened to him since getting another shot with Furniture Row and then SHR.

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

Last year I was down on Kurt's outlook. A poor 2014 and the suspension didn't give me much hope in how 2015 would turn out. Well, maybe the off the track issues were holding him down in 2014. He now has a clear head going into 2016. I expect Kurt to once again get a win or two, 8-9 top 5's, and 17-19 top 10's. All of them are down a bit from his numbers in 2015, but I think he will have just as good, if not better, at a shot at a title in 2016.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Ryan Newman

Ryan Newman 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Ryan Newman Career Paint Schemes

Ryan Newman is now two for two on making the new Chase. Both seasons (2014 and 2015) he has done so without winning a race. All in all his wins, top 5's, and top 10 numbers have not jumped off the page and made you think, Chase driver.

However, when you look deeper you start to see how Newman has transformed from a guy who was fast on occasion (winning a race here or there) mixed with some bad finishes, into a guy who hasn't been winning as often but has been much more consistent.

The last two season's Newman has actually posted his best two season average finishes of his career (12.7 and 13.5). He is sticking in races and doesn't have poor runs. He is also doing this with RCR who has been at best second tier the last few years (Hendrick, JGR, and Penske Tier 1).

No matter how you look at it Newman has been as consistent as they come during this new era, he just hasn't always been a front runner weekly.

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

I expect to see a lot of the same for Newman in 2016. If you look back at his career (minus his hot streak to start between 2002-2004) he has been pretty steady. It is safe to assume he will finish without a win again, with 5-6 top 5's, and 15-17 top 10's. The biggest question is can he make the new Chase three out of three seasons? I think he and the #31 team have it figured out and will once again get in on points if they do not squeak out a trip to VL. He still made it in 2015 even with the points deduction from his team manipulating his tires.

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