2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Kevin Harvick

Kevin Harvick 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

NASCAR Behind the Wall has taken a look at a large chunk of drivers for the 2015 season so far, all that's left is Kevin Harvick. That's because Harvick is the newest NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion after a strong 2014 season.

2014 is hands down Harvicks best season at the Cup level and its not for debating. Any year a driver wins a Championship it rockets up that list, and 2014 was the first one. Yes, he does have other season's where stats might put 2014 in the dust, but the end results are what mean the most.

In a year full of uncertainty because of new rule changes, stiffer penalties, and a points change to the Chase the #4 team and Harvick fought through. It wasn't an easy ride to say the least.

Harvick moved from RCR to SHR in 2014 while gaining a new CC. The two teamed up and ended up working out perfect. But, for a majority of the season the #4 team struggled with bad luck and some bad pit failures. In the end Tony Stewart gave up his pit crew for the push for the Chase and it seemed to make a big difference.

The 2014 Championship was well deserved as well. Through all the controversy of the new Chase system and drivers in the finale who "shouldn't be," Harvick stayed strong. In fact, Harvick was a title favorite most of the season after bringing fast car weekend after weekend. 

Five wins, 14 top 5's, 20 top 10's, a Cup leading 8 poles, and 2,137 laps led all resulted in the ultimate goal of his first Cup title.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Call me crazy, but just one year after winning his first Championship I think he could go back to back. That feat is never easy though, so its still a long shot to happen. The thing I have taken from 2014 is how good Harvick was when SHR seemed to be at a low with Smoke and Kurt struggling. I think 2015 will be a strong year for Kevin and he may notch 3-4 wins, 10-12 top 5's, and 19-22 top 10's. Repeating wont be easy, but Harvick is on my short list of contenders in 2015.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Joey Logano

Joey Logano 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

At the end of the 2013 season it looked like Joey Logano had finally arrived at the NASCAR Cup level. He finished the season off with a win, 11 top 5's and 19 top 10's which was good for an 8th place finish in points.

It looked like the move to Team Penske from Joe Gibbs Racing was a good one. Then came 2015 and JoLo set the bar even higher for himself. It looks like 2013 was the stepping stone and the 2014 season was the true break out season.

He finished 2014 with 5 wins, 16 top 5's, 22 top 10's and used all of those stats to make the Chase Finale at Homestead. The crazy thing to keep in mind is Joey is only 24 years old and will enter 2015 as a title favorite after a strong showing in 2014.

A lot can be attributed to Team Penske and the fast transition they took from 2013 to 2014, but don't rule out everything JoLo did to just the cars, he has talent. The combination of JoLo, BK, and Team Penske is continuing to look good. 

The big question is, will it continue in 2015?

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations

• It's hard to imagine another season like 2014, it always seems that way with NASCAR because its hard to stay that good that long. Yet, I do think he and Penske will have another good season. I think from now on he will be a title contender year after year, but I am not sure he will win it just yet. I think either he or BK will once again make the Finale in Homestead. Another 4 wins, 11-13 top 5's, and 19-22 top 10's are what I expect from JoLo this year. 

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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.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowksi 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

In 2014 it seemed like Brad Keselowski found a bit of his missing form from his 2012 title run. He wasn't near as reserved as he was in 2013 and once again let his personality out time after time. That rubbed some fans the wrong way, but at the same time was also praised by others.

In NASCAR it seems like fans want more information and personality out of there drivers until they speak and they don't agree with them. NASCAR is a tough sport to be in because it seems like no one can see eye to eye.

But in 2014 BK let it out and didn't really care what other people thought. Once again, he had a great season when just being himself. By the end of the season he had a Cup leading 6 wins and 17 top 5's. He also had 20 top 10's and 5 poles.

He was consistently one of the fastest cars every weekend and it showed. Then the Chase came and he got off to a hot start before running into trouble in the second round. He pulled off the improbable and won at Talledega to move onto the next round. BK ended up short of the Finale but all in all he had a great season on the track.

Off the track BK didn't make any friends, but he has stated many times he isn't racing to make a bunch of friends.

Hate him or love him, NASCAR needs a guy as brash as BK. Sports need different characters and different personalities. The sport was made around personalities of the 70's, 80's, and 90's. At some point NASCAR started to lack those kind of characters and I think that's when NASCAR truly lacked that extra "it" factor. 

With all the young guys coming up, and a guy like BK with an outspoken persona I think the next few years could be the next big NASCAR boom. The greatest thing about NASCAR is it has room for every type of personality and driving style. The larger the mix NASCAR gets of those two things the more exciting NASCAR could become.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Some think BK may have another down year like 2013, but I think he will come out strong again. I think he learned a lot in 2013 and used that in 2014. The big thing will be if Penske is early season adapters again. They have the resources and adapted well last year, so it should come with ease, but sometimes the sport surprises us. He wont put up 6 wins in 2015 again, but i think he can put up another 3-5. Add on 13-15 top 5's (down from 2014), and 19-21 top 10's (about the same as 2014) and he should make a strong push for title two. As most top drivers, it all comes down to those last 10 races where its make or break. BK will be in my top 3 favorites to win a title in 2015.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Matt Kenseth

Matt Kenseth 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

The 2014 season was disappointing for Matt Kenseth, sure, but it may not have been as bad as many portray it as. Much of this had to do with the fact that Kenseth had 7 wins in 2013 but went win-less in 2014.

If we take a broader view of things and look past just win totals we see Kenseth in fact had a very consistent season. Many forget that about his 2014 year, he started the season off constantly running near the top 10 and finishing a bunch off in the top 5.

Matt actually had more top 5's (13) and top 10's (22) in 2014 than he did in his break out campaign with JGR in 2013 (12 and 20). His average finish did slip a bit from 12.1 to 13.2 in 2014, but a lot of that has to do with how much a win will effect your average.

2014 was also a down year for JGR in general compared to 2013, so it wasn't just Kenseth. Most of the season they seemed a bit off. That brings 2015 and a fresh new start. Kenseth isn't getting any younger and his window for his second Cup title is getting smaller year after year.

JGR and Toyota will be bringing in new Toyota Camry's for the 2015 season and that might just be the key to things. At the same time, that may hinder there early season development.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• I do believe Kenseth will bounce back (in a way). I think he gets back on the win board, but his overall consistency may be a bit down. I think some early season adjusting may take place at JGR to the new Camry's and four team set up. I think he is in line for 2-3 wins, 10-11 top 5's, and 18-21 top 10's which are all a bit down from 2014 (except wins). As always, he will be expected to make the Chase at least, and possibly be a title contender.

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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.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Trevor Bayne

Trevor Bayne 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

For the first time in Trevor Bayne's racing career he will try to run a full time NASCAR Cup schedule. With Carl Edwards leaving RFR in 2015 a spot quickly opened for Roush development driver Trevor Bayne. With the addition of Bayne it looks like RFR will be making a youth movement in the upcoming season.

Sure, Greg Biffle is still around, but the next guy in line is third year driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Trevor has mainly been in a ride with historic Wood Brothers Racing for his Cup career, including his first win which was the 2011 Daytona 500. 

2011 also marked the season he made his most Cup starts so far in his career (17). But, in 2015 he will finally get to prove if he is ready for a full time ride. He now moves to a team that is well funded and should give him a chance to run more consistent. RFR wasn't its normal self in 2014, but that should just mean the whole team is ready and motivated to make a comeback.

In his career Trevor has shown he can win from time to time, but has yet to notch more than one win in a season at the NASCAR National level. In the Nationwide series (XFINITY now) he had 2 wins in 151 career starts. He finished 6th in point the past two years while running full time in the series.

Just looking at lower level results it looks like Bayne could have a decent season at the Cup level, but I wouldn't expect amazing things to start out with. He has always been a decent finisher, but never top of the class which is how you can explain never having a season with more than one win. However, as I stated before he will at least get a decent shot in 2015 since he is with RFR.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• 2015 will technically be Baynes rookie season in NASCAR. He already has 58 races under his belt and a win at Daytona, yet it seems like he needs some more grooming at the Cup level. He will get exactly that with RFR in 2015. I don't think he will find a win, but think he could put up. 1-3 top 5's and 3-5 top 10's. However, I wouldn't be surprised if he notched numbers under that in his first season with RFR.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

Last season Carl Edwards had a less than stellar season. He still made the Chase and he still had 2 total wins, but something was missing. Then again, a lot seemed to be missing at Roush Fenway that could have attributed.

No matter what the cause was, Carl kept plugging away and didn't let the media know too much about what was going on, his frustrations, or his plans for 2015.

Well, eventually the news had to break and late in the season it finally got out. That news was that Carl Edwards was leaving Roush Fenway Racing and joining Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2015 season. That left RFR without its long time veteran and with Biffle as its only remaining veteran.

This move also meant that JGR was finally opening up to a four car team for the upcoming season. After a slow 2014 Carl will look to make a rebound like Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth have done in years past.

In 2014 Carl had 2 wins, 7 top 5's, 14 top 10's, 0 poles, and finished 9th in the points standings after the Chase. Ever since he came so close to winning a title in 2008 he has been up and down as a whole. In six season following that let down of coming so close he has finished 3 season with a 15 or higher average finish. Yet, most season's he finds a way to win a race or two. So what will 2015 bring?


Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• I think the expectations for Carl Edwards are going to be higher than ever since he is making the move to JGR. JGR had a tough time in 2014 finding speed but I personally think they will find there way back with there new 2015 Camry body. What does that mean for Carl? I do think he should have a bounce back year. I think his average finish should hover back around 11-13 which should bring some extra top 5's and top 10's. I think 2 wins, 8-9 top 5's, and 16-18 top 10's are in store. Those numbers aren't huge improvement over 2014, but what he does in the other races will be, consistency is the key here.

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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.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

The 2014 season as a whole didn't go how Denny Hamlin had planned. He had a whole offseason to rest and get back to normal after his wreck early in 2013 caused him to have back surgery. Most thought 2014 might be his bounce back season since he would be 100% healthy, I think even Denny thought it.

Most the season DH just didn't have it and struggled most of the way to find any kind of consistency. Then cam the new 2014 Chase and all those season struggles could become a thing of the past. After a rough finish at Loudon he snuck through to the next round.

In the final 7 races he had 6 top 10's including a pole and 5th place finish at Phoenix to move him to the Finale. So when it counted Denny Hamlin was stepping it up. In the end he made the Chase Finale at Miami and had a shot at his first Cup Title.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• After thinking 2014 would be a bounce back season it's almost a stretch to say it again, but I think Denny will get back to his ways pre injury. Now, I am not sure that will correlate into a appearance in the final four in Miami, but he will have a more consistent season and notch multiple wins. 

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Ryan Newman

Ryan Newman 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

Going into the Finale at Homestead was there a driver who had been getting bashed by the fans more than Ryan Newman? Ok, ok. Going into the Finale was there a driver bashed more than Brad Keselowksi ad then Newman in that order? I would beg to argue, no.

That's because fans just couldn't take it that Newman had a chance at a title without a win? Or maybe, they couldn't stand it because there driver had 4 or 5 wins and no shot at the title? No matter what the reason, fans took it out on Newman.

But, lets take a look back at 2003. Newman had 8 wins, 17 top 5's, 22 top 10's, and an average finish of 13.9 yet he finished 6th in the points, 6th! The winner that year was a one win Matt Kenseth who had 11 top 5's and 25 top 10's. I would beg to say he won his Championship mostly on consistency.

So, whats the difference? That one whole win? Or the fact that fans took NASCAR's marketing as winning meant everything?

Lets go bigger than that and form our own opinions after we see how the Chase plays out. I tried to hold back full judgement until the end of the Chase, and shut out the media hyping or playing down the new format.

In the end I found the last 10 races with a load of excitement and a system that left the door open to a guy with 5 wins or 0 at the end. 

2014 was Newmans most consistent season as a Cup driver. His 12.7 average finish was his best mark of his career. He found a different way to get to the Finale and it ruffled everyone feathers. In the end he came up short of the end goal, a Championship.

I would beg to bet that on average most seasons NASCAR will not have many guys like Newman with zero wins in the Finale, but it will happen every now and then. So, fans, brace yourself it might happen again.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• It's not bold, but I will put it out there and say I don't think he will make the Finale again. Having said that, I think he has a shot to get back in the win column this season, but as a whole the season might not be as smooth. At this point in his career he is expected to at least make the Chase. I think a win, 5-7 top 5's, and 14-16 top 10's should be plausible. 

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

Kyle Busch (no typo here, we will actually be talking about Kyle, not Kurt. Just in case Keith Olberman would check out NASCAR Behind the Wall I thought I would clarify). Speaking of Kurt, Kyle had a better season than his older brother, but in the end I still came away disappointed with Kyle's production.

Rowdy's 2014 numbers were some of the worst of his career as a whole. His average finish of 17.6 was the worst it has been since his rookie season (2005). His top 5's (9) tied a career low (2009 and 2005).

Yet, at the end of the season there was Rowdy in contention to move on after Talladega. All he had to do was ride around and stay out of trouble. Kyle was doing just that, playing it safe when a caution came out. Driver checked up but he ended up getting hit from behind which left him out for a number of laps.

In the end that costly bad luck moment left him out of the Chase for the final four races. Part of Kyle Busch's issues were the fact that JGR seemed to have issues finding speed week after week. During the Chase it seemed like they brought there A game, but because of Kyle's bad luck we never found out how far that would carry him.

Even in a bad season Rowdy still had 1 win, 9 top 5's, 15 top 10's, 3 poles, and made the Chase.


Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Even in a bad 2014 season Kyle Busch made a run in the Chase. Will he truly become a title contender in 2015? After a great finish to the 2013 season I thought last year would be the year. Maybe all he needed was a down year to refocus? I think JGR will take a step back in the right direction as will Kyle. I think he could end up with 4-5 wins, 12-14 top 5's, and 20-22 top 10's. As always, it is expected he makes the Chase and I think at this point in his career he needs to be in contention for a title.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

Lets start by stating the obvious, Kurt's 2014 season was a bit of a disappointment after such a strong 2013 campaign. Kurt had one of the best small team performances we have seen in awhile during the 2013 season and it looked like the 2014 move to SHR would only help put him back on the title map.

But, that never did happen. Some hope came when Kurt won at Martinsville after getting into a scuffle with Brad Keselowski early. In the past those kind of run ins end his day because he lets it get to him, but not in 2014. He fought past that and brought his beat up #41 Chevy to Victory Lane.

It was a great moment for him in 2014, but he didn't have many other moments during the season. Maybe it was the new team with SHR? Maybe it was added pressure while being on a big team? Maybe it was all of the issues going on with his ex-girlfriend and then the news that came out late in the season?

One way or another I feel like something had to be off during the season. At this point its too hard to know what it was and I don't think one person could tell you, but maybe Kurt. So with everything still swirling in his case with his ex-girlfriend lets move onto 2015 and the on track performance.

Year two with SHR will be a big one. After a down year like last season it will be important that he steps it back up. During this run with SHR, if he keeps putting up seasons like 2014 it maybe his last shot in NASCAR with a major team, so its important he gets back on the right foot.

Kurt has always had the talent to compete for titles on the Cup level, so will he bounce back in 2015?

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Kurt is in a position to notch a win or two every year with SHR. He has the car to do it, it will just be can he block out the distractions? I think he will bounce back in 2015, but I don't think it will be to the level of being a Championship favorite. I think he can get to 1-2 wins, 7-10 top 5's. and 16-18 top 10's. All of which would be an improvement on last season. I think he will still finish somewhere from 8-11th in points, though.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Greg Biffle

Greg Biffle 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

The 2014 season didn't go how Greg Biffle planned I am sure. He ended the season without a win, barely made the Chase, and overall just wasn't fast from week to week. As I have mentioned before on this blog, Roush Fenway Racing might take some of the blame for its drivers lack of speed in 2014.

Was it the engines? Was it RFR adapting to the new package NASCAR offered slowly? Was it the drivers? Or was it a combination of all of them?

It's easy to say it was a combination, because almost everything isn't laid 100% on one thing. I do think a big part of it was between the engines being a bit off compared to normal and RFR adapting slowly to the new package.

However, I don't think Greg Biffle gets a complete pass here. Carl Edwards had the same equipment and resources and still found a way to win two races in 2014. Where was Greg? His average finish of 16.4 was the second worst mark he has had in his last 7 seasons. He also tied a career low in top 5's with 3 total (full time seasons only). 

In 2015 Biffle will head into the season with RFR as the veteran on the three car team after Carl Edwards bolted to JGR. Biffle could step into the role and help Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse Jr out in developing during the 2015 season. 2015 will be a big season for Biffle after struggling in 2014.

The Biff isn't getting any younger and his window of opportunity for a NASCAR Cup Title is slowly closing. Not only that bad he is quickly passing his prime years in the sport at the age of 44 (will be 45 in 2015).

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Expectations will once again be to make the Chase in 2015. A driver with his experience and amount of wins should be looking at nothing less than that. Realistically he also needs to help groom two young drivers for RFR. Biffle has been a pretty stand up guy in NASCAR so it should come natural. I really think his peak is past him in NASCAR and it will start to show. That doesn't mean his days of notching top 10's and a win here of there are done, but it may start to be a bit more time in between each. He is still a force at tracks like Michigan as long as RFR figures out there 2014 struggles, but when RFR struggles the Biff wont have enough to overcome. 2015 will be the first time he has back to back win-less seasons in his career, but expect 4-5 top 5's and 12-14 top 10's.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart 2015 Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

Was 2014 just a bad year, an anomaly? Or is 2014 going to be a continuing trend? It's hard to imagine Tony Stewart not being in the hunt every season for a title, but good things come to an end at some point.

That being said, I have to think 2015 is a bounce back year for Smoke. He doesn't seem like he is ready to just roll over (unless its for some soda cookies) yet and has a lot of racing left in him. The real question will be how fast he jumps back and will it be back up to his old expectations?

In 2014 SHR in general had a down year. Yes, they won a Championship (Kevin Harvick), but other than Harvick the rest of SHR was a disappointment. Maybe some of the adjustments had to do with SHR going with a four car team and learning to adapt to that? All season it just seemed strange to me that Harvick was so much faster then guys like Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart.

Kurt just came off an impressive 2013 season where he took a little team and made them relevant for a season. In 2014 we saw Martin Truex Jr, who is a competent driver, come no where near Outlaw's 2013 success. Yet, Kurt struggled all season with SHR. 

Same thing you can say for Tony. Sure, many expected a slow start since he wasn't 100% healed, but a whole season of being almost left out of peoples mind on Sunday? Also, some expected a bit more of a jump in year two from Danica. 

My theory, which is probably wrong, was that Kurt and Smoke just had slow starts to 2014. By the time they started digging it seemed to late, so the team really focused on Harvick and his success. I know that this is the case when the Chase started because Tony gave up his pit crew for Harvicks (who were struggling all season). Between figuring out where the resources go on a four car team and the fact that drivers had a slow start, maybe it caused a snow ball effect that left Stewart waiting for 2015 to bounce back?

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations

• Even after a down year in 2014, I don't think expectations have faltered much for Tony Stewart. In 2015 I think we all still believe he should be a title contender. He is 43 years old, but we have seen many drivers his age and older compete at a high level, so if they can do it why can't Smoke? I expect him to bounce back in 2015 and win 3-4 races while making a strong run to the Chase. Once in the Chase it will be interesting because he wasn't part of it last year, but I am sure Tony took some notes.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Kasey Kahne

Kasey Kahne 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

2014 marked Kasey Kahnes 3rd season with Hendrick Motorsports. Since I use a three year window to look at new NASCAR Cup level drivers, I will use it for Kasey's stint with HMS. To be honest, Kahne may not want to see what his three year stint looks like on paper.

Every season since Kahne got to HMS his stats have become increasingly less positive. His first full season in the #5 he had 2 wins, 12 top 5's, 19 top 10's, and 4 poles. He finished 4th in the standings that season (2012) and it looked like maybe all he was missing was the team (HMS). It was arguably his best season (you could debate 2006) but since then the news doesn't get any better.

Thats because each year since 2012 his statistics have got a bit worse. From season to season the jump hasn't been dramatic, but if you look at 2012 and 2014 side by side it's shocking. His top 5 production in 2014 was one of the worst in his NASCAR career.

All of that being said, Kahne did put on a late season rally that ended up with him winning at Atlanta just two races before the Chase (only Richmond was left). The win locked him into the Chase and gave him new life on the season. But, just like the regular season he left fans disappointed in the output. He only notched one top 10 all Chase, in fact he only had four top 15's.


Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Hendrick Motorsports and Kasey Kahne signed a three year extension on his deal entering 2015. This season was supposed to be the last season during his current contract but Rick must still see something in Kahne to extend his deal. Kahne may not have shown it in 2014, but he is still a capable driver that is in his prime years. He will only be 35 years old this season and he already has 17 career wins, 83 top 5's, and 146 top 10's. He has proven he can win and proven he can win at Hendrick. I think Kahne bounces back a bit this season, but still nothing like 2012 when he joined Henrick. I think 1-2 wins, 8-10 top 5's, 13-16 top 10's should be expected and are attainable. His main goal is to get back to the Chase and improve upon this years results.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

In 1993 a young gun came up from the lower levels of NASCAR to make his rookie season debut. In 30 races he went win-less but finished with 7 top 5's, 11 top 10's and a pole. In that rookie season he also finished 14th in points while having an average finish position of 13.1.

Meanwhile, in 2014 NASCAR had another you gun come up and take on his rookie season. That rookie was Kyle Larson. He finished the year win-less but with 8 top 5's, 17 top 10's, and 1 pole. He finished the season 17th in points and with an average finish of 15.6.

If you haven't guessed (or looked up) yet, that 1993 rookie was Jeff Gordon. The following season after his rookie year he broke out to win 2 races, 7 top 5's, and 14 top 10's, while finishing the year 8th in the standings. Year three broke the mold and he finished off his first Cup Championship, 1995 (see why I like the three year scale of new drivers?). The rest since then is history.

And history, that is what Kyle Larson is looking to make going forward. Gordon was just 21 years old his rookie year, as is Larson. In the world of NASCAR at the time there was no way a kid that young would adapt that quick. Some of the same things were said about Larson. He was too young, too raw, and hadn't spent enough time in the NASCAR ranks to do well right away at the Cup level.

Well, in 2014 Larson quieted some of those idea's but going out and putting on some impressive performances throughout the year. The most impressive part of the season to me was when he started the Chase (Chicago) with 5 straight top 10's (4 of those were top 5's). 

The next part that impressed me? In the last 18 races (starting at Loudon) Larson strung together 10 top 10's, 5 of which were top 5's. Not only that, he 15 of those 18 were at least top 15's. That a streak that many top 10 drivers on the Cup level would enjoy.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectation:

• I think it is safe to assume many fans have high expectations for Larson in 2015, heck I started this article out talking about Jeff Gordon who will go down as one of the greatest drivers in the Modern Era and Chase Era. The question is can he live up to them and what should the real expectations be? I really think he will get his first win in 2015 and I think he may follow that up with one or two more. I think in 2015 his top 5 total (8) and top 10 total (17) will stay about the same, though. With the fact that I think he will win a race or two in 2015, I also think he will obviously make the Chase. 

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Clint Bowyer

Clint Bowyer 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

It's now 2015 and "spin gate" is towards the back of most NASCAR Fan's memory's, yet something has been hanging around Clint since then. What is still hanging around you say? Well, the fact that he has yet to win since that night in Richmond.

In fact, Bowyer has seemed to be in a complete slump since that race. I am sure this past season's results had nothing to do with those actions in 2013, but that image hasn't helped him during this slump. 

MWR as a whole just didn't seem to have "it" in 2014. The whole organization was under a microscope during and because of "spin gate." The team that looked like it was up and coming in the NASCAR world, one that I even thought might be a new power, fell back off the map in 2014.

Because of that night in Richmond the team lost Martin Truex Jr, NAPA as a sponsor, and its third car because of sponsors leaving. But, not all of there 2014 struggles came from still overcoming there shortfalls and corner cutting at Richmond. Some of the blame may rest on TRD as well. Just like JGR, it didn't seem like anyone racing in a Toyota had the speed they needed in 2014. Whether that was coming from the engines or the old body style Camary's, its not certain.

As I mentioned in the JGR Season Review, it seemed like maybe Toyota was holding back a bit because they knew they were going to a new body style in 2015. I know a team would never hold back for a whole year, but it almost seemed like JGR was holding there best cars for the Chase.

Unfortunately, Clint Bowyer didn't have the luxury of saving cars for the Chase, he needed to make the Chase. So, some of the shortfalls of 2014 maybe on him, but some could be on Toyota Racing Development as well. 2015 will be a big season for Bowyer and MWR.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• As I just mentioned, 2015 will be a big year for Clint. He is on a long win-less streak right now that spans the past two seasons (2014 and 2013). It has been 77 races since his last win, which is currently one of the most for a competitive top 20 driver right now. So, in 2015 he will have to prove again that he can still win on the Cup level. I think in 2015 he gets a step back and finishes with a win, 6-8 top 10's, and 17-19 top 10's, all of which would be uptick's from last season. 

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Austin Dillon

Austin Dillon 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

I still am not sure what to make of Austin Dillons 2014 season and what it means going forward. He was in a huge rookie class and ended up losing the rookie of the year battle to Kyle Larson, but he also didn't have a terrible first season.

He ended the season with 1 top 5, 4 top 10's, and an average finish of 17.5, but the bigger story was his consistency. He didn't put up eye opening stats and didn't have many flashes of brilliance like Larson did, but he still put up 17 top 15's and 27 top 20's on his way to a 20th place points finish. In fact, at one point it looked like he or Larson may squeak into the Chase on points. 

But, going forward will those top 15's turn into top 10's? Will those top 20's turn into top 15's? 

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• I think year two Dillon will take a good step in the right direction. That consistency has to pay off eventually and I thing RCR will be at least as strong as last year. I am not sure he will get his first career win, but I do think 3-4 top 5's and 5-8 top 10's is easily attainable. I do think he has a high side of putting up 10+ top 10's, but realistically I think its safer to say he will be lower. He might take over 2015 as the second best driver at RCR after Ryan Newman.

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2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: AJ Allmendinger

AJ Allmendinger 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

In 2014 AJ Allmendinger got his second chance at the Sprint Cup level. The last time he had a full time ride (prior to 2014) was 2011 and he took advantage this past season. AJ will go from a contender at road courses to a road course favorite in 2015.

That simple fact makes AJ Allmendingers 2015 season interesting. 2014 he used his win at Watkins Glen to make his first Sprint Cup Chase, but that glory didn't last long. It was a step in the right direction for a one car team. JTG-Daugherty Racing seems to be trending in the right direction and a lot of that has to do with bringing in AJ in 2014.

The big quetion will be how will he continue to develop on non road course tracks in 2015? IN 2014 he finished the year with a win, 2 top 5's, and 5 top 10's while finishing the season 13th in the points.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• I have the same expectations for AJ as he did in 2014. I think with Ambrose leaving NASCAR it opens the door for other drivers to win at the road courses. In comes AJ. Last year AJ used his win at WG to get into the Chase. In 2013 he won his first Nationwide race at Road America in a redemption story. He also later won at Mid-Ohio, bringing his record to 2-2 in 2013 Nationwide races (2 starts, 2 wins). So, NASCAR fans should expect he to be a favorite at the two road course stops. He should also finish with 2-3 top 5's and 3-5 top 10's. The main key will be for him to find consistency with that team and help take them to the next level.

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