NASCAR: Five Drivers Looking Forward To 2016

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Danica Patrick

The main goal in 2015 was to secure an extension with SHR for 2016 and beyond. Was that extension every really in question? I guess nobody will ever know but if it was Danica Patrick did her part early in 2015 to show that she has improved as a driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Eight races into the season Patrick had five top-19 finishes including a pair of top-10’s. That eight-race start was the best of her NASCAR career and had her in the top-16 in the point standings. However, shortly after that great start the season got away from Patrick and the No. 10 team. After posting five top-19’s in the first eight races, Patrick only finished in the top-19 twice over the next 13 races. In the last 28 races of the season Patrick only managed eight top-19 finishes, nothing compared to the strong pace she set over the first eight races of the season.

2016 brings with it new hope and a new sponsor for Patrick and the No. 10 team. Gone is GoDaddy the sponsor that has been there from the beginning for Patrick. Also gone is crew chief Daniel Knost who was replaced during the off-season. 2016 needs to be about consistency and that consistency needs to be in the form of top-20 finishes.

Next: Replacing A Legend Will Ne Hard To Do