Early Season Rookie Success: Chase Elliott

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By Richard Tix

NASCAR heads into a bye week during Easter break but that doesn't mean we don't have anything to talk about. We just left Auto Club Speedway and had one heck of a race. The Auto Club 400 was one of the best races from start to finish of the year.

We also have started out with some amazing finishes in two of the five races (0.01 seconds). It has been one heck of a five race start to the 2016 season that will give momentum to NASCAR for the rest of the season. None of this is even mentioning the excitement and fireworks of post race twitter this past Sunday.

Photo: Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY

That's only scratching the surface because if we dig deeper past the on track product, past Jimmie Johnson's fast start, past all the penalties of the No. 78 team, we see the great rookie battle of Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney.

Behind the Wall previewed this battle before the season even started by highlighting how good it could be and just like the aero package it has produced early and often.

The Auto Club 400 was arguably Chase Elliott's best run so far in the very early stages of 2016. If it wasn't for the late caution that was throw when Kyle Busch's tire went down, Chase would have easily finished with his first top 5 of his career and most likely even a top 3.

When the caution came out most of us watching Chase (fan or just follower) knew it might be bad news for his chance at the top 5. Not only would they have to make it through the late stop pit stop grind, but it also meant another restart. For the most part Elliott struggled all day on restarts so it was a tough break for the young rookie.

Even though he fell from the top 5, Chase Elliott still showed brilliant flashes on Sunday and put together another complete race (aside from some slow jumps on restarts). It was the second straight race where he ended with 100+ driver rating (101.0 last week and 105.1 this week at ACS).

In his last four races (everything but Daytona) he has finished 13th or better and now has three top 10's out of those four. Whats even better is that in those same three races he finished top 10 he also ran on average in the top 10 all race.

Photo: Jonathan Ferrey

He is running up with all the best drivers in NASCAR weekly and he has just started his career. Many drivers in the past 3-4 years have come in with a ton of hype but failed to produce right away, but Chase is starting on the right foot.

Chase was blessed with the opportunity to step into a high quality ride with Hendrick Motorsports right away, but it is still impressive to see what he is doing at a young age. It took 20 races in 2014 for Kyle Larson to get his third finish where he had an average running position in the top 10 (just for comparison).

It's obviously a small sliver of what will eventually become Chase Elliott's NASCAR career, but so far it has been a fun start and I am excited to watch the season long progression.

2015 Team Spotlight Preview: Hendrick Motorsports

HMS 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

2014 Season Statistics

Races: 144

Wins:13

Top 5: 40

Top 10: 74

Pole: 4

2014 Chase Drivers: 4

As a whole HMS had a fantastic season, the only thing missing really was a Championship. The season started off with a bang when Dale Earnhardt Jr won the 2014 Daytona 500. Things kept moving along and in the end three of the four drivers had four wins and all four made the Chase.

Within that dynamic you could say Jr and Gordon had fantastic seasons for there own reasons. Gordon bounce back in a big way and proved he still can contend. Jr had a break out season in Steve Letartes last year as his CC. Both drivers at one point were true title contenders. 

On the other hand Jimmie Johnson and Kahne were a bit disappointing. JJ was disappointing only because he didn't make a run at the Championship. He still had 4 wins and 20 top 10's during the season which is no small feat. Kahne struggled in a season when his three teammates did so well.

So what will 2015 bring? One thing is for sure, Gordon announced 2015 would be his last full-time season and will take a step out of the #24. In 2016 Chase Elliott will take over for Gordon in the 24 and try to start his own legacy. 

As usual I think we can expect a strong 2015 season from Hendrick and to have at least one guy contend for the title. HMS main goal after a year in which they did not take part in the finale at Miami is to get a guy in position to win at the final race.

Jimmie Johnson

• I have no doubt in my mind that JJ will be back in the conversation for another title in 2015. 2014 was a bit of an off year for the team, yet they won four races, 11 top 5's, and 20 top 10's. For most people that is a great season, not a down season. Thing's can only go up.

Jeff Gordon

• In 2016 it will be weird not seeing Gordon on the track every week. 2015 to me, will be a season to soak in all the Gordon memories he has left us. It would be great to see him have another season like 2014 where he is in the Championship talks come the end of the year.

Dale Earnhardt Jr

• I for one loved the 2014 season. I am a supporter of the Chase (most of the Chase that is, still wish the last race would rotate). But, the big thing that made the season great was guys like Jr and Gordon were on top of there game. The sport is better when the big stars run well. 2015 can top that if Gordon, JJ, JR, BK, and Kyle Busch are all on their A game.

Kasey Kahne

• It was a rough year for Kahne in 2014. He struggled to find consistency all year but finally pulled out a win late in the season to make the Chase. For the most part that was the end of the high because the Chase didn't go as planned, either. In 2015 he will be back with a new contract and all the Kahne fans out there will be hoping he will be back to the front.

2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

Jeff Gordon's Last Full Time Season- Article on his career and a look back through photo's

Just last week Jeff Gordon announced he would not be running a full-time schedule at the Cup level after the 2015 season. In my 2014 season review I mentioned how he went from a bad 2013 season to a strong 2014 year and quieted many peoples retirement talks.

I also said, "It is refreshing to see Gordon back at a high level after a struggle in 2013. Its nice to have the sports biggest stars at there very best, Whether you love them or hate them, its good for the sport." Just as we got one of NASCAR's biggest stars back at his highest level after a rough 2013 season, he announces it will be his last run at a title this season.

Love him or hate him, Gordon has helped this sport along the way become what it is. He came in and was a family man from the start. He did't shy away from the way he wanted to live with his family and in the end family is the biggest reason he is stepping away from the sport. I think that is one of the biggest reason's you have to respect Jeff, not only as a driver but as a man.

Along the way he had some scuffles with other drivers, but in the end it still seemed like everyone respected him because he was always himself, Jeff Gordon. In my opinion respect is not something you always have to have for a fellow drivers skill on the track, yet Gordon seemed to always get it from fellow drivers.

Still, past the four Championships, 92 wins, and 77 poles the thing that will stick out the most is how devoted he was to his family even while in a sport that makes you give up so much of your free time.

Yet, lets not forget that Jeff Gordon still has one last full time season to go. I know the news hit a lot of fans hard, especially Gordon fans, but he still has a 36 race season ahead of him. I would remind you to soak every moment in because at any point it could be Gordons' final win, top 5, or pole of his career. Every moment will be bittersweet when thinking about a career like Gordons. He has accomplished so much on and off the track that its hard to ignore.

So, in 2015 take a moment to watch one of the greats race his final full time season. Enjoy NASCAR racing because this is a sport he helped progress to the main stream so we can enjoy it every Sunday. 

Gordon Rant:

• One last statement because I hear people say they will leave the sport when Gordon does. You are free to do so, no one is holding you ransom. But, of all people Gordon would probably be upset because you are leaving something he helped build and loves with an amazing passion. His ability and his personality helped shape the sport we have today. Enjoy racing and what it is. If you don't enjoy it, that's fine. I know a ton of local tracks that could also use the support and put on great shows every weekend. But fans that can't take change but  still complain about NASCAR's short fall's are not helping the progress in the sport Gordon helped build in the Modern Era. Most of NASCAR's changes have been because of complaints and upset fans. NASCAR is a business, they will never sit still and of all the drivers out there I think Gordon understood that the most and it may have effected him the most (think Chase Era). The old days of racing were great, but at some point you have to realize it isn't going back. NASCAR still has a great product on the track and have been trying to make it better. Sometimes it backfires, but sometimes they hit on something that really works. So, as a NASCAR fan myself I would say stick around, enjoy the racing, and maybe you will pick up a new favorite driver along the way.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Every Gordon fan is going to hope and pray the drive for five ends up happening. I mean what would be a better way for Gordon to ride off into the sunset? After his strong 2014 season and the announcement he wont run full time ever again, I think he will make a strong push again this year. In the end I think he will come out about like last season. 3-4 wins, 12-13 top 5's, and 20-22 top 10's. What Gordon needs to focus on, the new Chase system and getting the most out of the final 4 races of the season. I honestly think he may come up short, but even as a non fan of Gordon I would love to see him win one last Championship.

List of Previous Driver Spotlights

2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Dale Earnhardt Jr

Dale Earnhardt Jr 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

For the most part, 2014 was a dream season for Jr. For starters, Jr kicked the season off in style by winning his second Daytona 500 and pretty much locking him into the new Chase because of the new points system.

Dale followed that up by finishing second the next two races at Phoenix and Vegas. After 14 races he had more wins (2) then he had combined from 2009-2013. He had the same amount of wins (2) that he had from  2007-2013. By notching his second win at Pocono it was the first time he had a multiple win season since 2004.

Jr didn't stop at two either, he won four races in total in 2014 on his way to the Chase. The second round of the Chase wasn't kind to Jr and he was left out of the running, but past that he has a great season. He ended with 4 wins, 12 top 5's, and 20 top 10's. All of this was done during Steve Letarte final season as Crew Chief.

Now that the 2015 season is coming up fast the uncertainty still looms as Jr gets ready to take on the season with a new CC for the first time since 2010 (Steve took over in 2011). Maybe the loss of Letarte wont matter much, but most fans just witnessed a pretty great 2014 performance so the thought may linger if they struggle early.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• After last season Jr Nation is going to be expecting a run at the title again. They got new hope in his chance to finally win a Cup Championship and they wont let the loss of Letarte be an excuse. The best news for this team would be an early season win at Daytona again, but if they don't get that I can see the #88 winning less races than 2014. When they won early it gave them a lot of freedom that other teams didn't have. I still see 1-2 wins, 8-10 top 5's, and 18-20 top 10's. All those stats are down from 2014, yet he could finish higher than 8th in 2015 because of a better Chase performance.

List of Previous Driver Spotlights

2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

I keep going round and round on Jimmie Johnson's 2014 season. Man, was it disappointing. Then again, he won 4 races, had 11 top 5's, and 20 top 10's. Those numbers don't scream bad season. When I get done debating this in my head I end on this: Jimmie Johnson has been so good for so long that we don't know any better, he is truly held at a higher level.

This, I believe, isn't just true for fans but also for JJ, Chad, and the whole 48 team. They hold themselves at a higher standard and because of that I land back on a disappointing season. If you are wondering, yes, this is the process that goes through my head every time I write about his 2014 season.

JJ still had four wins which was good enough to tie him for fourth most in 2014. His 20 top 10's also put him tied for fourth most on the season. Yet, most fans agree he wasn't a top 4 performer in 2014. That list would normally include Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. After those guys a handful of others including JJ might come to mind, but for one of the first times in his career he wasn't mentioned with the top tier guys in a single season.

Was this the fall of JJ? For the first time in his career he finished the season worse than 6th in the standings. In fact, JJ only finished 6th once (2001), 5th twice (2002 rookie year and 2005) and all the rest have been 3rd or better.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Short answer, no it shouldn't be the fall of JJ. Some poor luck and bad finishes just hurt JJ more than they normally do. Also, a new Chase didn't help his cause as those poor finishes hurt him down the stretch. But, enough with the bad news for JJ fans. The bad news for other driver fans (and good news for JJ) is he will be back in 2015 and will be once again re motivated. As if a guy like JJ (runs marathons and triathlons) needs more motivation)! His expectations will be the same as any other season, get to the Chase and be a favorite for the Title, I'm sure his only goal is to win another Championship so I don't see how these expectations would be too high for him. I could see another 3-4 wins, 10-13 top 5's, and 19-22 top 10's this season, but consistency will be key down the stretch.

List of Previous Driver Spotlights

Jeff Gordon's Last Full-Time Season

Jeff Gordon Tribute

By Richard Tix

News broke today that Jeff Gordon announced he would be retiring after the 2015 season. To many NASCAR fans it is down right heart breaking even thought we all knew it was coming. I found the news when I got on Twitter for the first time today and it hit me pretty hard.

That's saying something, because I don't call myself a Gordon fan. I respect the heck out of him as a driver and as an individual and I think that is something you can never take from a man. The West Coast kid helped bring NASCAR to a new level while also being one of the best drivers on the track year to year.

Not only did Gordon win four Championships (just through 2014) and tons of races, but he helped bring NASCAR to a whole new level in the 90's. Gordon was around for NASCAR's big expansion and helping grow its popularity during the height of NASCAR.

When I go back and think about the NASCAR I grew up on I think of Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, etc. The Earnhardt v Gordon rivalry was great to witness growing up because it was two drivers with different styles going out there and competing and showing both ways could work in the sport.

Gordon telling the #24 team the news

This season might not be the last time we see him though, "I thought long and hard about my future this past year and during the offseason, and I’ve decided 2015 will be the last time I compete for a championship. I won’t use the ‘R-word’ because I plan to stay extremely busy in the years ahead, and there’s always the possibility I’ll compete in selected events, although I currently have no plans to do that." -Yahoo Sports

So 2015 will provide a great farewell tour, but we may still get to see him in a few races here and there going forward. Even when he steps away from the wheel he will still stay heavily involved in NASCAR and racing. "I don’t foresee a day when I’ll ever step away from racing. I’m a fan of all forms of motor sports, but particularly NASCAR. We have a tremendous product, and I’m passionate about the business and its future success. As an equity owner in Hendrick Motorsports, I’m a partner with Rick (Hendrick) and will remain heavily involved with the company for many years to come. It means so much to have the chance to continue working with the owner who took a chance on me and the incredible team that’s stood behind me every step of the way." -Yahoo Sports

Gordon will leave behind an amazing NASCAR Cup career that included (at the time of the article, through the 2014 season) 4 titles in 1995, 1997, 1998. and 2001. He may have even more titles if it was not for consent point changes in the NASCAR rules. He also had 92 career wins through 2014 in 761 career races. In that same time he put up 320 top 5's and 454 top 10's. Add onto those numbers 77 Pole Awards, an average finish of 12.4, and 24,664 laps led and you have yourself a future NASCAR Hall of Famer. 

Not only has Gordon made a huge impact on us fans, but also on his boss Rick Hendrick, "There’s simply no way to quantify Jeff’s impact,” Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said. “He’s one of the biggest sports stars of a generation, and his contributions to the success and growth of NASCAR are unsurpassed. There’s been no better ambassador for stock car racing and no greater representation of what a champion should be. I will never be able to properly express the respect and admiration I have for Jeff and how meaningful our relationship is to me. I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for our company and my family, and I look forward to many more years together as friends and business partners." 

Their is no doubt that Jeff Gordon will be missed on the track after the 2015 season, but that wont stop us from taking in every moment we can before he stops strapping into that #24 that he made so popular. 2015 will be a season to remember so as a fan I would recommend taking in every moment that you can. 

NASCAR Behind the Wall wants to congratulate Jeff Gordon on a successful career thus far and wish him luck in 2015. Now, lets take a look back through photo's:

Congrats Jeff Gordon on an amazing career, and here is to a great 2015!