"2000 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR PREVIEW" >Page 1, 2, 3
The Middle Of The Pack
Former Trans-Am series champion Scott Pruett comes to Winston Cup from the CART series. Scott is a proven winner and a fast learner who has moved up quickly through the racing ranks. Doug Richert leaves the #28 team to be the crew chief for the Cal Wells owned #32 Ford and Tide comes aboard as the new sponsor adding much needed funds to the operation.
The biggest reason that Scott Pruett is this far up the list is the fact that he will have Robert Yates engines under the hood. I expect this team to qualify for the majority of the races this season but to struggle during the races. Even with Yates power consistency and reliability will be issues for this team. If they can keep Scott on the race track he might move up one position in the final ROTY standings, but not any more than that.
If Scott does move up a notch he will have to pass Dave Blaney to do it. With roots in the World of Outlaws Dave has overcome mud-slinging stereotypes with good old fashioned hard work to earn his place in Winston Cup. Improving from 29th place in the 1998 BGN points standings to 7th in 1999 Dave has proven himself very quickly.
He will bring along long time sponsor Amoco to join Ward Burton and the Bill Davis Racing team. Tony Stewart proved that having a talented teammate can mean a lot during your Winston Cup rookie season and I think that Ward can nurture this team to a solid rookie season. With Bill Davis power under his hood and in his pits I expect to see flashes of greatness from Dave but consistency will keep him from challenging for ROTY honors.
Next page The Top Of The Heap >Page 1, 2, 3
