NASCAR: Defining Success For ’16 Sprint Cup Rookies

Chris Buescher

The reigning Xfinity Series Champion will be racing full-time in the Sprint Cup Series in 2016, after two successful seasons in the Xfinity Series. Buescher was tabbed to go full-time with Front Row Motorsports in the No. 34 Ford, with sponsorship from Love’s Travel Stops and CSX Transportation. FRM announced a technical alliance with Roush Fenway Racing over the off-season hoping to have its best season ever in the Sprint Cup Series. It was also announced that Bob Osborne will join the team to crew chief the No. 34 car.

While Buescher was consistent and victorious on his way to the Xfinity Series championship, he did race a handful of Cup races in the 2015 season, all in the No. 34 car. This means he already has established a relationship within the FRM team. The new alliance with RFR could lead to success for the No. 34 team if the Roush struggles over the past three seasons are all but finished.

This ride for Buescher appears to be a filler position until he can join the Roush Fenway team later down the road, possibly when Greg Biffle retires. This team does have a blueprint for success in 2016. The formula must be for Buescher to log laps and gain experience. Competition in the ROTY race is too steep for Buescher to be a serious threat. The team will look for lead lap finishes and multiple top 20s for 2016 to be successful. We saw in 2013 the team’s capabilities on the superspeedways, so you never know what could be in store for Buescher and the No. 34 team.

Success for the No. 34 team: Buescher will look to log laps and gain experience in the 2016 season. The RFR alliance could be great or detrimental for Front Row Motorsports. DNFs will impede the growth of this team.

Next: Wood Brothers Returns to Full-Time with Rookie