NASCAR: Five Drivers Looking Forward To 2016

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

For some it might be confusing to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. on this list. After all, Earnhardt had himself a solid 2015 season. Although his three wins were one less than 2014, he had better numbers when it came to top-five finishes and top-10 finishes.

While the consistency might have improved slightly, the end result in 2015 is something that Earnhardt Jr. is looking to get away from in 2016. Over the last two season Dale Jr. was won seven times and put together some of the most consistent numbers of his career, but where has that really gotten him?

In the end Earnhardt Jr. has struggled both years come time for the NASCAR Chase, failing to get past the second round either season.

In 2016 Earnhardt Jr. will be looking to put it all together and get himself and the No. 88 team over the hump. Earnhardt doesn’t need to win a championship in 2016 (although his fans would not object) but he does need to at least make it into the third round of the Chase. The No. 88 team needs to stop falling short come playoff time and finally put themselves in a position to win a championship.

Goodbye to the failures of 2015 (and 2014) and hello to the potential success of 2016 is what should be on the mind of Earnhardt Jr. and all of his fans.

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