NASCAR: 10 Drivers That Need To Improve In 2016
No. 10 – Danica Patrick
It’s a very funny idea that I have placed Danica Patrick at the number 10 position right? I am expecting some great things from Danica Patrick based on her 2015 performance. This will hopefully be the season where she will finally break out and become a true contender for NASCAR championship talks. Based on Danica’s previous season results, 2015 saw her improve at Martinsville, Texas, Bristol, Richmond, Talladega, Dover, Indianapolis, Pocono’s second race, Watkins Glen, Charlotte’s chase race, and Phoenix. During these improvements she managed to finish better than 20th a total of 13 times which is better than what she has done in her past three full NASCAR seasons.
After going full time in 2013 Danica Patrick has only scored 1 pole throughout these past three seasons. In 2016, Danica will have her 3rd new crew chief and will hopefully continue one important trend that has stuck out. Danica’s average finishing position is 23.5 which is a trend that has been going forward throughout her career. Stewart-Haas Racing is losing Tony Stewart to retirement in 2016 and a strong showing by Danica is all but assured as most of the team focus will surely be placed on Danica’s car since she is the slowest one on the team. Something that Danica will need to improve upon in 2016, is finishing on the lead lap more. Patrick only finished 14 races in 2015 on the lead lap to go along with 4 DNFs. Danica is picking up Billy Scott, who spent the last eight years as an engineer and crew chief with Michael Waltrip Racing, to bring some very valuable experience to Danica’s pit box and team throughout the season. Look forward to Danica getting better as she is finally looking more comfortable behind the wheel of her car.
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