NASCAR: Five Drivers Set To Break Out In 2016

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Jul 26, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (25) during the Crown Royal 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Elliott

2015 Season (5 Sprint Cup Races):

Laps led: 0
Top-5’s: 0
Top-10’s: 0
Average finish: 26.2

Chase Elliott will compete in his first full season in the Sprint Cup Series in 2016 at the young age of only 20 years old. He was announced as Jeff Gordon’s replacement in the No. 24 car back before the 2015 season started and that allowed him to be able to race in five races this season.

In his first at Martinsville and last at Darlington, he was involved in wrecks but in his other three races (Richmond, Charlotte, Indianapolis), he finished 16th and 18th (twice), with some time running in the top-10 at Indy. That’s a pretty big accomplishment considering the fact that he was using the No. 25 car and a makeshift crew in those races.

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Though he will be a rookie next year, he is set for a nice start because of what he has around him. With teammates like Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr., who owned his No. 9 car in the Xfinity Series, Elliott will have all the help he needs and more to succeed. Also, Jeff Gordon will be able to give him advice every now and then since he will still be around Hendrick Motorsports.

The term “breakout” has a slightly different meaning for Chase Elliott. Even though he is a good driver and former Jeff Gordon fans will be expecting a lot, Elliott will be doing great if he manages to pick up a few top-5’s and top-10’s, while consistently proving that he is ready for the promotion.

With the resources and people on his team, he should be able to do that and more and you could see him compete for the win a few times in 2016.

Next: Ryan Blaney Has A Full-Time Ride

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