Most Surprising/Dissapointing Driver of 2015

ToyYoda

ToyYoda

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Myself and some others have already made our picks in the '14 thread, but this thread is for who you predict will be the most surprising and most disappointing drivers of the 2015 Sprint Cup season.

My picks, as stated in the '14 thread, are:

Most Surprising: Austin Dillon

Most Disappointing: Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
 
Looks like I misspelled "disappointing" in the thread title, lol. How disappointing.
 
:biggrin: picking just two is tough.
I think Kurt Bush with a new chief and shed of his latest girl friend will be most surprising comparing his last season to 2015.

I think the 24 will be most disappointing compared to 4 win 2014 season. (it will be the crew chiefs fault though):rolleyes:
 
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Most surprising: Truex and Menard
Most disappointing: Dillon and Patrick
 
RacerrecaR said:
Most surprising: Truex and Menard
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Yea, Menard's quietly been getting better. Do you think the move that caused Childress to file a lawsuit is an indicator of Childress struggling in 2015?
 
Nathan_259 said:
Yea, Menard's quietly been getting better. Do you think the move that caused Childress to file a lawsuit is an indicator of Childress struggling in 2015?
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I do not think this McCall situation will have any direct impact on RCR's performance in 2015 but I do envision that organization struggling as a whole, even if this McCall situation never came to fruition.

If not for some horrible luck that plagued Menard in Q3 and Q4 of 2014, he would've been a top-10 points finisher. Out of all RCR drivers I contend that he is the most consistent; he won't win multiple races but he can absolutely achieve around 20 top-10's every year. He may have a billionaire father, but Paul has proven he is a capable driver and I am pulling for him.

If Truex can land a ride with a top-tier team he is a championship contender. One of the more underrated and likeable drivers on the circuit. Like Menard, Truex isn't one of those drivers who will win the most races every year, but will quietly finish around 10th place most weeks. 2015 will be a make-or-break year for both of these guys and I expect (and hope for) both to make the Chase with 1 win each.
 
I think the 15 could be the most surprising with added cooperation from Gibbs
I'll pick Penske Racing as most disappointing, no real reason other than that for somebody new to rise, someone else must fall.
 
Most surprising will be Dale Earnhardt Jr with his continued success with new crewchief Greg Ives calling the shots.

Most disappointing will be the continued lack of production from Danica causing her exit from SHR after this, her final year under contract. I'm sure that many here will relish in that happening so they may not consider it a disappointment.
 
Switchback said:
I think the 15 could be the most surprising with added cooperation from Gibbs
I'll pick Penske Racing as most disappointing, no real reason other than that for somebody new to rise, someone else must fall.
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Interesting perspective. It is clear that when NAPA left MWR, they took more than just a car. They lost engineer talent that has cost them greatly. It will be interesting to see if they rebound a bit this year internally in addition to benefitting from the increased collaboration with JGR. In this respect, keep in mind that TRD prefers the relationship between MWR and JGR to develop organically (in the words of President David Wilson) as opposed to a TRD enforced exchange. Kyle Busch calling for increased communication is part of that organic development, and is a good sign. MWR stands to gain big time, but they are going to have to bring something to the table to sustain the new relationship. The 15 will be huge in this given the uncertainty of the 55. BTW, look for BK to be part of this communication process as they vie for some of the TRD love.
 
Revman said:
Interesting perspective. It is clear that when NAPA left MWR, they took more than just a car. They lost engineer talent that has cost them greatly. It will be interesting to see if they rebound a bit this year internally in addition to benefitting from the increased collaboration with JGR. In this respect, keep in mind that TRD prefers the relationship between MWR and JGR to develop organically (in the words of President David Wilson) as opposed to a TRD enforced exchange. Kyle Busch calling for increased communication is part of that organic development, and is a good sign. MWR stands to gain big time, but they are going to have to bring something to the table to sustain the new relationship. The 15 will be huge in this given the uncertainty of the 55. BTW, look for BK to be part of this communication process as they vie for some of the TRD love.
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I can't remember if it was Kyle or someone else saying that JGR and MWR were currently using different simiulators in their shops. Seems like that would be an obvious first step, get them both on the same page for crying out loud.

I agree on what you said about Napa leaving. In fact that leads me to my next point, in that I believe Truex will be a huge disappointment again. If he has another bad year, his career as a contender and or race winner could quite literally be over, all from circumstances not of his doing. Sucks for him, because I actually think he's been underrated for a long time. I'd love to see what he could do with a Hendrick/SHR piece underneath him.
 
3wideinturn1 said:
I can't remember if it was Kyle or someone else saying that JGR and MWR were currently using different simiulators in their shops. Seems like that would be an obvious first step, get them both on the same page for crying out loud.

I agree on what you said about Napa leaving. In fact that leads me to my next point, in that I believe Truex will be a huge disappointment again. If he has another bad year, his career as a contender and or race winner could quite literally be over, all from circumstances not of his doing. Sucks for him, because I actually think he's been underrated for a long time. I'd love to see what he could do with a Hendrick/SHR piece underneath him.
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Awesome post right there. Couldn't agree more. I think that prior to the Richmond stuff MWR was performing well enough to collaborate with JGR. Post Richmond, things have slid obviously, and I don't think that JGR is interested in carrying MWR's ass. JGR was reluctant to work with MWR when they were building their own engines, and very concerned about working with them when TRD came into the picture. Then, it got better, and then slid like I said post Richmond. Big separation this year, and yeah, I was stunned to hear that the simulation software differed. TRD has the resources to bring them together in Salisbury, but as I mentioned David Wilson will not force this. I am 100% sure that doing so would push JGR away, and simply, Toyota and TRD will not do this for obvious reason. MWR is not in a position to complain so it is what it is. Let me say this....Kyle Busch saying what he said was HUGE. HUGE. HUGE. I know that they have had a couple of meetings, and more to come. Scott Miller was a little less than enthusiastic about it, and I am sure that there is reservation on the JGR side, but things are coming together in my opinion.

Truex Jr.'s situation makes me sick. Really like the guy, and felt that he was a solid driver. I will never understand how when NAPA left, they didn't hand Vickers' car to Martin. I know contracts.....but they could have found a way to reward his loyalty. Sucks big time. I want him back. I honestly believe that Vickers is done unfortunately, and that, if Martin has a crappy year, Furniture Row cuts him loose, and Mikey makes this right by putting Martin in the 55.
 
Revman said:
Awesome post right there. Couldn't agree more. I think that prior to the Richmond stuff MWR was performing well enough to collaborate with JGR. Post Richmond, things have slid obviously, and I don't think that JGR is interested in carrying MWR's ass. JGR was reluctant to work with MWR when they were building their own engines, and very concerned about working with them when TRD came into the picture. Then, it got better, and then slid like I said post Richmond. Big separation this year, and yeah, I was stunned to hear that the simulation software differed. TRD has the resources to bring them together in Salisbury, but as I mentioned David Wilson will not force this. I am 100% sure that doing so would push JGR away, and simply, Toyota and TRD will not do this for obvious reason. MWR is not in a position to complain so it is what it is. Let me say this....Kyle Busch saying what he said was HUGE. HUGE. HUGE. I know that they have had a couple of meetings, and more to come. Scott Miller was a little less than enthusiastic about it, and I am sure that there is reservation on the JGR side, but things are coming together in my opinion.

Truex Jr.'s situation makes me sick. Really like the guy, and felt that he was a solid driver. I will never understand how when NAPA left, they didn't hand Vickers' car to Martin. I know contracts.....but they could have found a way to reward his loyalty. Sucks big time. I want him back. I honestly believe that Vickers is done unfortunately, and that, if Martin has a crappy year, Furniture Row cuts him loose, and Mikey makes this right by putting Martin in the 55.
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I kept getting confused reading this.... you should probably say Truex instead of Martin when it comes to the 55 lol
 
sdj said:
Most surprising, Kyle Larson. What a breath of fresh air he is. Not assuming, pleasant and intense on the track.
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And , add to that , the potential to elevate Ganassi up to who knows where ? amongst present team owners . The combo of he and Jamie could put Chip into the top six in owners this year.
 
The only thing that held back Chip was Juan in my opinion. The guy had to much pull in the shop and that even hurt Jamie.
I think Jamie will be a top 15 driver points wise at the end of 26 races and Larson could be better if the new rules suit him.

Using RCR engines didn't help either.
 
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