Content provided in partnership with

How can these teams carry their success this season over to next year?

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004 by Lee Spencer

JEFF BURTON

After eight-plus seasons with Roush Racing, a change of scenery was the best medicine for Burton. Burton and crew chief Kevin Hamlin have spent just 11 races working together, but of all the Richard Childress Racing teams, the No. 30 has shown the most progress lately. Burton has just two finishes outside of the top 15 since moving to RCR in August, and he has led more laps in the No. 30 Chevy than he did in 22 races in the No. 99 Ford. Hamlin believes in Burton's capabilities as a driver, the same way Hamlin believed in Dale Earnhardt's as Earnhardt's crew chief from 998 to 2001. Hamlin has worked to establish an ongoing dialogue with Burton and team engineer Jeff Curtis. Hamlin says it's necessary to ensure his driver's comfort in the cockpit and to find good shocks, springs and tire packages now so the team can be ahead of the curve in 2005.

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

KASEY KAHNE

This season has been a learning experience for the entire No. 9 Dodge crew. Kahne, 24, blew the doors off his fellow rookies, but with even a bit more consistency, he would have qualified for the Chase. The more comfortable Kahne becomes with the equipment, the tracks and his team, the stronger he will get. Expect Kahne's performance to even out during the next few years as he acclimates to Nextel Cup. For now, additional attention must be paid to the team's short-track and restrictor-plate programs, but crew chief Tommy Baldwin doesn't want to lose focus on the tracks the team has excelled on. Baldwin put emphasis on testing early and often so Kahne "would come out of the box strong,' and he plans to do the same in the offseason and early next year. With minor adjustments to the pit crew, Kahne will be in the thick of the Chase in 2005.

JAMIE MCMURRAY

None of Ganassi Racing's three teams had a consistent run until McMurray's in August. Perhaps it was the threat of McMurray leaving Ganassi that forced this team to get its act together. Regardless, the No. 42 hasn't finished worse than 17th since Indianapolis and has 11 top 10s and four top fives in that span. Under the old points system, McMurray would be sixth despite some early-season engine problems. McMurray says the key to success is running up front. This is a top 10-caliber team, but McMurray needs the equipment and personnel that will enable him to score more top fives. Crew chief Donnie Wingo is excited about the new Dodge Charger that will make its debut in February, and he expects to test extensively in the offseason. The team switched the front and rear tire changers last month and will hold tryouts before Daytona.

JOE NEMECHEK

The No. 01 Chevrolet is the only non-Chase car to win a Chase race. Nemechek credits his recent success to the chemistry of his MB2 team and the continued improvement of his cars. Nemechek has scored five top 10s in the past seven races. Crew chief Ryan Pemberton has worked to create a comfortable ride for Nemechek. Extensive improvements have been made to the aerodynamics and suspension, and Nemechek has been pleased with his cars' balance. He won consecutive poles at Talladega and Kansas this fall. Solid qualifying has led to consistent solid finishes, which are imperative to turning a team around. Nemechek says the Hendrick engines have given him the power he needs to run up front. "It all comes down to aerodynamics, horsepower and handling," he says. The team just needs to build on this year's platform for success in the future.

How can these teams carry their success this season over to next year?

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004 by Lee Spencer

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: News

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports