NASCAR Cup Series: 5 drivers who will improve in 2021

Drivers who will improve in 2021 – Ryan Newman

All things considered, 2020 was a year of success for Ryan Newman, due to the fact that he completed all but three races. Following a jarring, airborne crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500, Newman was hospitalized for two days. His return months later at Darlington Raceway was nothing short of miraculous.

While completing the season safe and healthy was a win for Newman, it is appropriate to say that his on-track performance was the worst it has ever been. Newman finished in 25th place in the championship standings and only mustered two top 10 finishes.

He had never finished below 20th place in the standings during a full-time Cup season, and his average finish of 20.0 was his worst since 2008. Between his Daytona wreck and the coronavirus pandemic, it is easy to see why the #6 team struggled with consistency, pace and momentum.

2021 will be Newman’s third year with crew chief Scott Graves and Roush Fenway Racing. In 2019, the pair put up 14 top 10 finishes and qualified for the playoffs. This season, they will look to get back to playoff contention after a turbulent 2020 campaign.

It would be no surprise to see Newman return to his consistent style. He may not lead laps or show winning pace, but he should notch quality finishes whenever possible. The team showed nearly no top 10 speed in 2020, but running a full season without interruption is likely to fix some of Newman’s woes.

Championship contention is a longshot for the #6 team, but contending for top 10 finishes and a potential playoff spot should be on the docket.