May 1, 2016; Talladega, AL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
Nov 4, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Chris Buescher (34) during practice for the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
Which Driver Will Miss The Playoffs After Making Them In 2016?
Christopher Olmstead: Everyone is going to say Chris Buescher here because it’s the easiest way to go. Instead, I will go with either Jamie McMurray or Austin Dillon. I expect both to have lesser seasons than 2016 and as a result one of them (if not both) will miss the playoffs in 2017.
Alex Herbst: As discussed earlier, Austin Dillon may have a hard time adapting to the new format. I expect the #3 car to miss this year’s playoffs, though his RCR teammate Ryan Newman will be near the bubble.
Matt Lovisa: I don’t see Chris Buescher winning again, despite joining JTG Daugherty Racing. Jamie McMurray will be the odd man out when competing with Austin Dillon and Ryan Blaney for the final two spots in the playoffs.
Michael Guadalupe: Kurt Busch and Jamie McMurray.
Dhruva Byrapatna: Taking out the obvious answer in Tony Stewart, Chris Buescher and Jamie McMurray likely won’t be making repeat Chase appearances. Buescher has talent, but without better equipment will be unlikely to pick up a win in JTG Daugherty equipment. McMurray, on the other hand, is 40 years old and on the back nine of his career–his 13th place finish last year is essentially his ceiling.
Kayla Gipson: Unlike Clint Bowyer, who is used switching teams and manufacturers. Chris Buescher isn’t used to that and will miss the playoffs this year. Not only is he switching teams but going from Ford to Chevy is a big leap.
Dominic Lee: I believe Chris Buescher misses the playoffs this season. He won a rain-shortened race last season with Front Row Motorsports and this season moved to JTG Daugherty Racing, however, I don’t see him being able to jump up and challenge the likes of Johnson, Busch and Harvick for victories.
