#9. Which driver is poised to breakout in 2010?

There is not a single wheelman who wants to be named Fantasy NASCAR Preview’s breakout driver. We’ve handed this out for the past three years and, in the process, have created a curse just as strong as the Sports Illustrated or Madden cover curse, although a bit less publicized.

In 2007, Jamie McMurray was our pick to breakout. McMurray did win at Daytona in July, but three Top 5’s and a 17th place finish in the points is hardly worthy of breaking out, especially for a driver in Roush Racing equipment.

With high hopes and a clean slate, we proclaimed that Juan Pablo Montoya would be the next big thing in 2008. Juan was downright horrible, recording only two Top 5’s and three Top 10’s en route to a disappointing 25th place finish in the points. Although Montoya certainly broke out in 2009, we can’t take credit because our selection last year was, yup, another airball, David Ragan. Ouch.

After finishing 13th in the final 2008 points standings, Ragan was a sexy sleeper for 2009. Backed by FNP, Ragan posted zero, yes zero, Top 5’s and two measly Top 10’s before ending his season-long nightmare with a 27th place finish in the points standings. As a whole, Roush Racing was down in 2009, but for the third straight year, the Curse of FNP reared its ugly head.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 11:41 pm and is filed under Preseason Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

4 Responses to “#9. Which driver is poised to breakout in 2010?”

  1. PJ says:
    February 7, 2010 at 11:27 am

    Ambrose could be a darkhorse. The equipment is getting better and if he continues to improve on the same curve, he could squeeze in there as the 12th driver to make the Chase.

  2. Randy says:
    February 7, 2010 at 8:01 am

    I like Ambrose’s competiveness and respect for the sport and his fellow drivers. Lots of talent too. I would pick him as a possible darkhorse to make the Chase, but he’s unfortunately driving for a mediocre team that hasn’t performed all that well on the intermediate tracks. There was some improvement with him/them late in the year on those track types and if that continues Ambrose may make it. But I don’t know…Might have to wait til next year or until he moves on to a more well funded team.

  3. PJ says:
    February 4, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    They’re both talented and are in great rides, but I’ll take the driver with some attitude and edge to achieve success sooner.

  4. Kevin V says:
    February 4, 2010 at 11:52 am

    Logano or Kes. They both have great equipment, are young, and most importantly have tasted victory and are hungry for more.