NASCAR: Five Drivers Most Likely To Disappoint In 2017

Jul 1, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (L) talks with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (R) during qualifying for the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 1, 2016; Long Pond, PA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart (14) races during the Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

Clint Bowyer

2017 is going to be the best opportunity for Clint Bowyer in his NASCAR career. He is going to be with a championship team, in a car that won a championship with that team, the same car that was driven by a champion last season.

While all of this is true, visions of Bowyer running for a championship are that of a dream, at least when it comes to 2017.

Yes, Bowyer is in a great spot with SHR and yes he could potentially make the Chase this season. However, making the Chase and contending for a title are two different things. Tony Stewart made the Chase last season, but never came close to a title.

Bowyer has not been all that good the last couple of seasons and while better equipment will help, it’s not going to be some magic switch for him and the No. 14 team. It’s also worth pointing out that the No. 14 team hasn’t been all that great recently either.

So was Stewart that bad and adding Bowyer is all the No. 14 team needed? Or was the previous equipment that Bowyer was in that bad and all he needed was what SHR is now providing? In NASCAR it’s rarely that simple. Look for Bowyer to be better in 2017 but temper the championship dreams or you’ll be disappointed.

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