NASCAR: 5 most disappointing teams so far in 2020

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Kurt Busch, Chip Ganassi Racing, NASCAR (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Disappointing teams: #1 – Chip Ganassi Racing

Topping the list of the most disappointing teams thus far in 2020 is Chip Ganassi Racing. The two-car team have had their fair share of controversy to deal with, but that does not make up for their invisibility from the front of the field.

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When Kyle Larson was dropped by the majority of his sponsors and subsequently fired by Chip Ganassi for using a racial slur during an iRacing event, the Ganassi organization found themselves in a situation no one could envision. With the driver’s seat of the #42 Chevrolet open, Ganassi went out and signed 2003 champion Matt Kenseth out of retirement.

Kenseth’s surprise return to NASCAR made big headlines, but on the track, his return has been a dismal showing. He has only two 10 finishes in 15 races, and he is mired back in 28th place in the point standings. The only time he was impressive was in a runner-up finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but even that finish was aided by strategy and not fully indicative of his race pace.

The prevailing expectations for Kenseth in the #42 Chevrolet were probably too high, as he had to learn a new package, a new team and a new manufacturer. But running mid-pack and showing no signs of pace near teammate Kurt Busch has been extremely disappointing for the former champion.

While Busch has outrun his teammate, there has been little to celebrate for the #1 team. The 2004 champion has led only 90 laps and his driver rating has only surpassed 100 four times in 19 races. He is likely to make the playoffs on points, but his lack of wins and winning speed put him in a tough position once the playoffs begin in September.

Together, Kenseth and Busch have been less than stellar in 2020, but what is more evident by this year’s performance is that the team have been carried by the driving talents of Busch and Larson in the past.

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At some point, Ganassi’s team will have to improve their equipment if they want their two drivers to contend for wins and championships. While the 2020 season is far from complete, it is looking more and more like this year will be another disappointment for Ganassi’s hopes of ascension into title contention.

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