Welcome to what we call “Around the Track” here at Beyond the Flag! When we go Around the Track we’re simply going to share opinion and answer questions as a staff, group or maybe just two of us!
Jan 11, 2013; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Carl Edwards (99) and Brad Keselowski (2) lead the field through turn four during Preseason Thunder testing at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Q: Which driver will be the dark horse in 2013?
Bryant: Kurt Busch. He had a solid finish to 2012 with Furniture Row Racing and I truly believe Richard Childress helped him land that job for a reason. Childress is helping FRR with engines and supplies, and I think Childress would like to eventually make room for Busch at RCR when the time works out for that. Unlike Phoenix Racing, FRR has money and equipment. Kurt is a wheelman and can drive anything you put him behind the wheel of! So as long as he stays out of trouble, I think Kurt is going to put up some solid numbers and get his new team put on the map.
Jordan: Kurt Busch. He finished with three top tens at the end of 2012. If the Kurt Busch and his new team, Furniture Row Racing, can find that type of chemistry with only 6 races together, then competitors may need to watch out. FRR’s alliance with Richard Chrildress Racing will only help Kurt Busch’s performance in 2013.
Q: Who will make the Chase for the Sprint Cup?
Bryant: [Via Points] Marcos Ambrose, Greg Biffle, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, and Brad Keselowski [Via Wildcard] Kurt Busch, Joey Logano
Q: Who shockingly doesn’t make the Chase for the Sprint Cup?
Bryant: Matt Kenseth. I expect to see growing pains for Kenseth and his new team at least in this first season.
Q: Who will shockingly make the Chase for the Sprint Cup?
Bryant: Marcos Ambrose will get in and get in via points. He will get another road course victory, but I also predict some strong oval finishes that could include his first oval win. Ambrose has talent and is getting better each year in NASCAR.
Q: Who will win the Rookie of the Year?
Bryant: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Based on opinion and statistics from the Nationwide Series, Stenhouse is the obvious choice. Danica hasn’t proven much on the Sprint Cup Series side of things yet…
Q: Will the G6 car give the fans what they’ve been looking for since the introduction of the COT?
Bryant: No, it’s the same chassis with a different body. I don’t expect to see much difference in the racing between last year and this year.
Q: Will Dodge announced their return for next season this year and which team will switch over to them?
Bryant: I say Dodge will be back for 2014, but I don’t think it will be with Richard Childress Racing. Too much Chevy history for a team to just leave. Unless Dodge has some money to fork over. I think we may see Michael Andretti finally make the change over into NASCAR!
Bryant is the founding editor of Beyond the Flag, co-editor of Keeping It Heel, and is the NASCAR contributor for FanSided.com. He has formally served as a senior staff writer for Keeping It Heel, co-editor of Old North Banter and as Editorial Director for FanSided's Local & Extra division. He is currently a student at Western Governors University majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and shares a passion for sports and writing!
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