I was poking around the internet today thinking about the upcoming 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup season when it occurred to me that I haven't seen any rookie announcements for next year. A quick check of Jayski's 2010 Silly Season chart confirms that as of now no one will be competing for the 2010 Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors.
Is it really possible that there are no NASCAR Sprint Cup rookies for next season? Is the current pool of drivers so talented that there are no young guns good enough to knock them off?
Comments
No, it means that because NASCAR has allowed the Nationwide Series to be turned into Cup-Lite, no non-Cup-team-affiliated driver is given the opportunity.
“Slanders” comment aside, the more likely reason is cash. Sponsors when money is tight spend where best used, normally that means with tested drivers not rookies.
I think Marc is right. With so many good drivers without rides getting picked up by start up or exsisting teams that are making changes, there is no room, or need for that matter, to take on a rookie driver. It is kinda sad to think there may be no Rabestos award to give out next year.
It sounds like the economy has finally hit the Nascar scene. In my opinion, rookies should only be in the Nationwide series and that the Cup series should only be for experienced drivers. Perhaps this will stop the “start & Park” cars from being on the track.
What about Brad Keselowski? He still qualifies as a rookie next year, doesn’t he? I don’t think he ran too many races in Sprint Cup this year.
Huh… I didnt even think about that. Interesting find!
And I have to say you are probably right Marc.
Brad ran too many races this year to qualify as a rookie next year.