Top Row Seat - Predictions 2000
Dateline: 02/07/2000
It's time once again for the annual About.com NASCAR Predictions. Last year I correctly called the Rookie Of The Year, BGN and Craftsman Truck series Champions, but I missed the Daytona 500 and the Winston Cup champions. Let's look ahead to the 2000 season.
Begin At The Beginning
There are now eight drivers battling for Rookie Of The Year in Winston Cup this year. But the winner is the driver with the most financial backing, and most helpful teammates. Matt Kenseth will be the 2000 Rookie winner. (read the complete analysis here minus Ed Barrier who announced too late to be included)
The Champions
Last season the Craftsman Truck series was decided by a controversial penalty to Greg Biffle and a great final race battle for the championship. This season the championship will once again come down to Jack Sprague and Greg Biffle. In another extremely tight points race smooth and cool Sprague will hold on to repeat as the truck series champion.
The Busch series will see the top finishers in the points for the last two years Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth moving on to the Winston Cup garage for the 2000 season. This definitely leaves an opening for a first time champion. Casey Atwood will be strong but still needs another season or two before he can contend. Mike McLaughlin will get his consistency back together and will be a threat. However, Todd Bodine has some of the best equipment, more experience than most, and the ability to drive the heck out of any car. If Todd can keep the wheels on it he will win the Busch series title.
The Winston Cup season in 2000 will be an exercise in adjustment for the teams. With Ford and Chevy both debuting new bodies you can be certain that NASCAR will be making rule changes throughout the season to attempt to level the playing field. This leaves the Winston Cup championship trophy for the team that can make the best adjustments, and has the biggest budget for research. If Mark Martin is truly back 100% from his surgery he will take the big trophy this year. If Mark stumbles then his teammate Jeff Burton will be pushing him hard all the way to Atlanta.
Give the trophy to Jack Roush this year and let his drivers fight over who gets to put their name on it.
Vote In The Poll!
Who will win the 2000 Winston Cup title?
More Polls
Want to discuss my predictions? Want to let the world know your picks? Blast off on the bulletin board. Or you can talk about all things NASCAR in the chat room where I stop by frequently.
