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 /
Sep 9, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer (15) signs autographs for fans prior to practice for the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
Biggest Surprise Of 2017 Will Be?
Christopher Olmstead: The biggest surprise of 2017 will come from Ryan Blaney in the No. 21 machine. Blaney will win at least once and make it into the playoffs. Once in the playoffs I see him making it into the final-eight.
Alex Herbst: A pleasant surprise in 2017 will likely be the competitiveness of Chris Buescher at JTG-Daugherty Racing. After many wrote him off as a fluke for winning at Pocono and backing into the Chase in 2016, I think the #37 team will run consistently in the top 20 and make the playoffs.
Matt Lovisa: Clint Bowyer will rebound after a dreadful season with HScott Motorsports as he waited to take over Tony Stewart’s ride. A new team, manufacturer switch and a change of scenery will help Bowyer bounce back and make a run in the playoffs.
Michael Guadalupe: Trevor Bayne. Someone needs to step up at Rush Fenway racing and I think it will be Bayne
Dhruva Byrapatna: Michael McDowell. McDowell’s Leavine Family Racing #95 posted some solid top 20’s near the end of the 2016 season, including a 10th place finish in the season finale. The team is ready to become a solid mid-tier organization like Germain Racing. Expect to see more solid finishes from McDowell in 2017.
Kayla Gipson: AJ Allmeindinger is always a threat on Road courses and short tracks. I think having a teammate again will help him win a race. Maybe even more.
Dominic Lee: I feel Danica Patrick is destined to have that breakout year this season. The switch to Ford may just be what she needs as a driver.
