NASCAR: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not Heading Into New Hampshire
By T. Walker
As we take the journey down the who, what and why road through NASCAR’s Silly Season, it is the perfect opportunity to assess who’s hot and who’s not. Some NASCAR drivers have “it” and others are trying to get “it”.
We are officially in “Silly Season.” I’m not talking about summertime when you and the fam are in route to the zoo, circus, beach or to see that silly animated movie. I’m talking about NASCAR’s Silly Season. You know–that time of year when rumors are ramped, drivers futures are uncertain and NASCAR fans’ imaginations are as big as the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.
As we take the journey down the who, what, why and where road through Silly Season and prepare for the 19th race of the season, it is the perfect opportunity to assess the 2017 field of Monster Energy Cup Series drivers. At this point in the season, some drivers are either hot or not. Below are a few drivers that fit the description.
Martin Truex Jr. (Hot)
Hello, isn’t it obvious? The ‘Stage King’ has only won 13 stages and three checkered flags this season. Not convinced, let’s look back at his dominant performance at Kentucky. He won stage 1, stage 2, led the field by 14 seconds and then smoked all eight other cars on the lead lap. He did this on old tires.
Truex Jr. is so hot this season, he has received backlash from fans. Fans have expressed that his dominance this season is boring. Like Dale Earnhardt Jr., I like it. But some people do not.
Kasey Kahne (Not)
Maybe Kahne has become a victim of NASCAR’s Silly Season and the rumors are starting to get to him. With all the speculation that he is done in the No. 5, his time appears to be coming to an end at Hendrick Motorsports. He is not performing the way you would expect a driver on one of NASCAR’s top teams should.
Kasey Kahne has become the new Danica Patrick– and I’m not talking in a ‘good for marketing’ way. Accident after accident and always being in the wrong place at the wrong time on the track have dealt him a hard blow and much uncertainty surrounds his future. It is sad to reflect on what has become of Kahne’s once promising career.
Kyle Larson (Hot)
The Young Gun who Dale Jr. once referred to as the “modern day AJ Foyt…Tony Stewart,” is quickly on the trail to becoming a future NASCAR champion. He has won two races to date in this season’s campaign and was leading (NASCAR dropped a major penalty on him for rules violation) all NASCAR drivers in the point standings, including seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson.
Jeffrey Earnhardt (Not)
The name “Earnhardt” has done nothing for this fourth generation driver. There are no whispers. No one is hating. No one is questioning why he is in a Cup car. It is worse; no one cares. Aside from TV analysts calling his name each week after his engine expires, he blows a tire or is in an accident, no one cares. I don’t know, maybe there is a touch of ‘The Intimidator’ in him, but what we have seen so far is not hot.
Ryan Blaney (Hot)
There are no Jedi mind tricks being played when this guy is behind the wheel. The force is strong with him. Blaney not only put the No. 21 in Victory Lane while racing his bud, Bubba Wallace, who was making his debut in the Legendary No. 43; he is a weekly contender with seven top 10 finishes so far this season.
The Dillon Brothers (Not)
”Why is Ty Dillon in a Cup car?” is a question fans have floated around since the beginning of the season. He is simply not producing. Ty Dillon doesn’t command attention like fellow rookies Daniel Suarez and Erik Jones. No wins and not a single top 10 finish sums up his year. He has managed to collect some stage points and is currently one stage point ahead of Suarez. If it means anything, he has led 40 laps, which is good for 12th largest amount among all drivers. (Shrugs)
On the other hand, or should I say, in the other seat, older brother Austin Dillon won his first career Cup race this year. It’s a noteworthy accomplishment. Aside from his two top 5 finishes, we can’t help but hope there is more in store for him. He has not sat on any poles, does not have any stage race wins and has only led nine laps this season. Sure, he has a win along with another top 5 finish, but can you say lackluster? After all, it has been over three years since he drove the No. 3 back into NASCAR Nation.
Kyle Busch (Lukewarm)
Everything is great until you realize Kyle Busch hasn’t made an appearance in the winners’ circle all year. Well, at least not in the Cup Series. I know the Kyle Busch haters love it, but to me, a NASCAR season isn’t complete without this guy winning. ‘Rowdy’ has three poles, seven top 5 finishes, four stage wins (behind only Martin Truex Jr. who leads all drivers with 13), and is currently in 3rd place in driver standings among all drivers. He is warming up and it is just a matter of time before he gets hot.
Next: Kyle Larson Shows Up, Martin Truex Jr. Shows Out
Who is your pick to win the Overton’s 301 New Hampshire? Tweet me and let me know. Also be sure to follow Beyond the Flag on Twitter and Instagram.