Previewing the 2007 Nextel Cup Drivers

[54Bruschi54]

What I am going to be doing starting the end of January is that leading up to the Daytona 500, I'll be posting the five things that each driver who will race full time this year needs to do to make the chase and contend for the title. There will be a separate post for last year's chasers on what they need to do to make the chase again.

[54Bruschi54]

I'll be starting in numerical order, so David Reuttiman will be first, and Carl Edwards will be last.

[54Bruschi54]

SO this is how I'll be doing it

2007 Drivers Not in the Chase last year
David Reuttiman
Martin Truex Jr.
Kurt Busch
David Regan
Robby Gordon
Clint Bowyer
Scott Riggs
Ryan Newman
Joe Nemecheck
Paul Menard
Greg Biffle
JJ Yeley
Elliot Sadler
Tony Stewart
Casey Mears
Jamie McMurray
Jeremy Mayfield
Juan Pablo Montoya
David Stremme
Reed Sorensen
Kyle Petty
Michael Waltrip
Dale Jarrett
Jeff Green
AJ Allmendinger
Brian Vickers
Tony Raines
Carl Edwards

Last Years Chasers (From last to first)

Kyle Busch
Kasey Kahne
Jeff Burton
Jeff Gordon
Dale Earnhardt, Jr
Kevin Harvick
Denny Hamlin
Matt Kenseth
Jimmie Johnson

[54Bruschi54]

The preview begins...

00- David Reuttiman



This rookie will need to live up to the hype of Toyota if he is to be a success in the Nextel Cup. He jumped from the Truck straight to Nextel so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts. Remember Kurt Busch? He had early success coming straight to the top series and didn't even run a Busch race. So we all will have to see.

[54Bruschi54]

1- Martin Truex, Jr.



If Dale doesn't return to DEI next year, which now is unlikely, then Truex should become the new face of DEI. Some think that he is a few steps closer to surpassing Jr, but with 17 wins and prestigious wins, I don't know how he will surpass him anytime soon. Truex came a long way towards the end of the season, and don't be surprised if he wins a few races this year. I see him winning at a restrictor plate course and maybe the finale at Homestead. He needs to avoid the sophomore slump because time may run out for him in the next couple of years if doesn't find success.

[Bates2]

Nice, looking forward to reading this. I really think Truex is due for a breakout year. He was virtually unstoppable in the Busch Series and finished strong in Nextel cup last year.

[54Bruschi54]

2- Kurt Busch



So Kyle can make the chase but his big bro Kurt couldn't? Well, mainly because of his switch to a Dodge but he found success at the road courses where Dodges usually have no success, but he got screwed a couple of times. He stepped up his restrictor plate program last year, finishing in the top 3 @ the Pespi 400 and in the fall Talledega race. He should find success this season, seeing that he finished well in the Shootout, finishing 3rd. He and Kasey Kahne, and possibly Elliot Sadler could make the chase and be the first time 3 dodges made the postseason, the highest was 2 with Newman and Mayfield. Kurt should dominate at Bristol and at the road courses and finish well at Daytona and Talledega.

[54Bruschi54]

Originally Posted by Bates

Nice, looking forward to reading this. I really think Truex is due for a breakout year. He was virtually unstoppable in the Busch Series and finished strong in Nextel cup last year.

thanks for reading along. yeah truex should find success this yr hopefully

[54Bruschi54]

6- David Ragan



Another rookie, Ragan wasn't even supposed to be the one driving this car. Busch series teammate Todd Kleuver was going to drive but with his struggles in the Nextel Series as a part timer in the 06 car, Roush was concerend. Basically, Ragan this year won't get much attention so he's going to need to step it up. I think he may be the sleeper in this rookie class so watch out.

[54Bruschi54]

7- Robbie Gordon



I'm not sure what's wrong with him, but he needs to do something in this business quick because being alone won't give him much success. Yeah he'll be finishing in the top 10 at every road course, but he just hasn't been able to do anything superb. He could sneak in a win, but I just don't see it. He should deeply considering merging with Richard Chilldress. Heck he should join them, and have Jr. ride his car. With Budweiser on the car.