NASCAR: Joe Gibbs Racing 2017 Team Preview

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Nov 13, 2016; Avondale, AZ, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) passes driver Carl Edwards (19) during the Can-Am 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Busch

Crew Chief: Adam Stevens

2016 points finish: 3rd

2016 stats: 4 wins, 2 poles, 17 top-five and 25 top-ten finishes.

2016 grade: A-

2017 outlook: After winning the championship in 2015, Busch defended his title with a 3rd place finish and 25 top-ten finishes, the second most among all drivers. Not a bad title defense for the No. 18 team with all the pressure and focus placed on them.

Now that their title defense is officially over, Busch and crew chief Adam Stevens will regroup as they begin the 2017 season. The old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rings true for this team in 2017. Not much has changed during the offseason for this team, which should put the rest of the competition on notice after racking up four wins in 2016.

In their own words: “Everything as far as the 2018 Camry feels good. Feels like the guys at Joe Gibbs Racing have done a great job building some really fast speedway cars. We had the fast cars last year. I feel like we’ve got fast cars again this year thanks to JGR and Toyota.” – Kyle Busch’s comments on 2017 season after The Clash.

2017 will be a success if: Busch picks up multiple wins and wins his second championship.

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