NASCAR drivers with something to prove

January 2, 12:58 PMDetroit NASCAR ExaminerJosh Lobdell

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I came across this interesting piece by Doug Demmons of Insider Racing News. His list of 10 drivers with something to prove was quite interesting, but I think his list might have missed a few key individuals.

If I were to write my own list of drivers with something to prove I would start with Kevin Harvick. Granted he did finish fourth in points but Harvick has not won a race since the 2007 Daytona 500.

Many point to the fact that both Jeff Gordon, and Matt Kenseth ended streak of seasons with at least one victory in 2008, but few seem to notices that as of the 2009 Daytona 500 it will be two full year’s since Harvick has visited Victory Lane.

I would also have Kyle Busch high on my list. I know that he won eight times in 2008 but this is still a guy who has yet to prove his talent in the Chase Races. More and more the NASCAR season is becoming like the other major sports where regular season success is hardly an indicator of championship runs. Kyle still has something to prove over those last 10 races.

Other that that I think Demmons’ list is a pretty good one. Juan Montoya definitely has something left to prove and Demmons has him listed at number one. Until Montoya can win on an oval he will never be considered a legitimate NASCAR talent. Beyond that he simply needs to perform better, or start looking for someone else to drive for.

I disagree vehemently with Doug’s assertion that Montoya could easily land another ride. One of the biggest selling points of a NASCAR driver is his ability to be a spokesman for their sponsors. If Juan is having problems getting sponsors at Earnhardt-Ganassi I would think that would stay true no matter where he ended up.

On the plus side Montoya’s Wrigley’s commercials are very entertaining. Maybe he can use that positive to lure more companies to the bargaining table.

Doug also has Sam Hornish on his list. I don’t know how much he has to prove because arguably he is in the best position of any driver on the cup circuit today. If he fails to achieve any significant NASCAR success in the early part of 2009 I would bet that he ends up in a Penske car back in the IRL. We must remember that Helio Castroneves at some point will have to stand trial for tax invasion and someone will be needed to drive that entry.

The only other driver I would have on my own list would be one Tony Stewart. I think Tony cold be a successful driver on any car on the circuit today, my apprehension comes in when Tony decides it is time to feud, punch, or attack those around him.

In the past Joe Gibbs has been there to help keep the piece, or get Tony to act professionally. Who will that person be at a team owned by Stewart? Will he be able to check his own behavior or will he do whatever he feels necessary regardless of the consequences.

Honestly, I don’t know that that would be all that bad.