NASCAR: Four Predictions For The Toyota – Save Mart 350 At Sonoma

Sonoma Proves to Be Too Much For Rookie Drivers

One of the biggest stories so far this season has been about rookie drivers Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliot.

Both drivers have been extremely impressive in their first full-time Sprint Cup Series runs, and both have a shot at making the Chase, specifically Elliot who currently sits sixth in the standings. Where he currently ranks reflects in itself just how well he’s been running all season.

And while Blaney isn’t as high up in the standings as Chase, he currently sits in 16th ahead of more experienced drivers like Kasey Kahne, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Trevor Bayne.

These two drivers have run well though on typical oval style tracks. Whether it’s a short track like Martinsville or a huge one like Daytona, they’ve been able to hang with some of the best in the sport regardless of where NASCAR is racing.

Now though they head to their first road course race in the Sprint Cup Series. This type of racing can be hard on veteran drivers who have been competing here for years, just look at Matt Kenseth’s stats at the track for example.

Sonoma will be a real test for these two drivers. If they can not only handle competing the the best in the sport, but handle the track and style of racing that comes with it, the potential for these rookies will seem limitless.

In reality though, don’t be surprised if Blaney and Elliot struggle on Sunday as road course racing can prove to be too much for rookie drivers.

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