Four Cup title contenders with poor 2013 starts

The lame duck issue at Richard Childress Racing has been sloughed off by all parties; but both Childress and Harvick are head strong so the situation with Kevin leaving at year’s end could become tenuous.  Harvick has started in the Top 10 at both events so far this year but a crash at Daytona and surprising 13th at Phoenix, where the #29 usually dominates, has ‘Happy’ not so happy with his current 30th position in the points.  Either things will get better with a good car and crew or …Could this be another crash and burn season for the phenom?  Kyle has driving skills that few have but he’s had an odd career that flutters between superstardom and flamed-out star.  Kyle has started in the top five in both races to date but hasn't led a lap yet, with an engine problem at Daytona and an engine issue that started him in the back of the pack at Phoenix from which he couldn't recover.  The Joe Gibbs Racing #18 has all the speed in the world and combined with Kyle’s abilities, he should rebound from his current 33rd spot in the standings.Some might argue that Michael Waltrip Racing altogether overachieved in 2012.  Still, Truex has been steady at the very least and no matter how lucky the team might have been in the past, he was a top five driver in the standings after 25 races in 2012 -- a driver has to have skill, good equipment and a capable team for those accomplishments   Although a Top 10 contender this season, the #56 team seems to have been bitten by bad luck as they presently sit 34th in points.  Truex can put together top 20s very easily and that’s exactly what he’ll need to climb into contention.     View the list »
Some contenders have some up as dry as an Arizona desert

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The NASCAR Sprint Cup calendar is a long 36 race season that starts in winter and doesn't end until a week before Thanksgiving. Yet, four drivers who were expected to contend for a championship have come up as dry as a Arizona desert so far and haven’t had the start they’re looking for.

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Throw in some exhibition All-Star racing and it becomes obvious that there’s a lot of racing left on the schedule. However, with that said, the regular season is 26 races and with only 24 left, a race team doesn't have a lot of wiggle room with a poor start. And that’s what is offered here as these four race contenders haven’t begun the year very well and now have a little hole to dig out of.

Certainly two dozen events to go before the Chase should be ample time to get back into the battle for the Top 10 and an automatic spot in the playoffs. Let’s take a look at the results so far and how these four contenders can rebound in 2013 (listed by points).

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  • Some might argue that Michael Waltrip Racing altogether overachieved in 2012.  Still, Truex has been steady at the very least and no matter how lucky the team might have been in the past, he was a top five driver in the standings after 25 races in 2012 -- a driver has to have skill, good equipment and a capable team for those accomplishments   Although a Top 10 contender this season, the #56 team seems to have been bitten by bad luck as they presently sit 34th in points.  Truex can put together top 20s very easily and that’s exactly what he’ll need to climb into contention.     
  • Could this be another crash and burn season for the phenom?  Kyle has driving skills that few have but he’s had an odd career that flutters between superstardom and flamed-out star.  Kyle has started in the top five in both races to date but hasn't led a lap yet, with an engine problem at Daytona and an engine issue that started him in the back of the pack at Phoenix from which he couldn't recover.  The Joe Gibbs Racing #18 has all the speed in the world and combined with Kyle’s abilities, he should rebound from his current 33rd spot in the standings.
  • The lame duck issue at Richard Childress Racing has been sloughed off by all parties; but both Childress and Harvick are head strong so the situation with Kevin leaving at year’s end could become tenuous.  Harvick has started in the Top 10 at both events so far this year but a crash at Daytona and surprising 13th at Phoenix, where the #29 usually dominates, has ‘Happy’ not so happy with his current 30th position in the points.  Either things will get better with a good car and crew or …
  • Didn't we see this movie last year?  After a horrendous start, Kahne was arguably the best driver at season’s end in 2012 and some were thinking he could win it all this year.  However, a crash at Daytona and unexpected poor performance at Phoenix has the #5 team reeling a bit.  It’s difficult to consider that Kasey and crew chief Kenny Francis will allow themselves to fall into the same hole as last year.  Kahne should bounce back from his current 29th in the standings and do well here on out. 
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, Paso Robles Motorsports Examiner

Daryle Hier has been involved in business as an owner for 30 years with many of them involving the auto industry. He also has been a sports fanatic with motorsports and football as his true loves. Other interests include Hawaii and the California Central Coast. He is a Top 100 writer for...

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