Who can slow down Hendrick Motorsports?
Three top teams might have the talent and resources to knock Hendrick drivers from the top spot in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season.
February 17, 2008 at 6:38AM
Drivers: Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer WHY RCR MIGHT WIN A TITLE
Harvick and Burton are seasoned veterans who have been involved in points races, and Bowyer was the dark-horse candidate who had a legitimate championship shot in the final few races last year.
WHY RCR MIGHT COME UP SHORT
Burton needs to rebound after a strong '06 campaign, and Harvick needs more consistency in the Chase. Bowyer won't fly under the radar again this year.
2. JOE GIBBS RACING
Drivers: Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch
WHY JGR MIGHT WIN A TITLE
One word -- talent. Stewart, Hamlin and newcomer Busch present as formidable a trio as there is in racing, including Hendrick's drivers.
WHY JGR MIGHT COME UP SHORT
Another word -- Toyota. The Japanese manufacturer was a dud in NASCAR's top series in 2007, but a jump in performance in a car's second year has long been a trend in the sport. The Camry will need it to be competitive.
3 ROUSH FENWAY RACING
Drivers: Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, David Ragan WHY ROUSH MIGHT WIN A TITLE
Edwards is an up-and-coming star, and Kenseth (2004 champ), Biffle and McMurray are solid drivers who can compete for a victory on any given Sunday.
WHY ROUSH MIGHT COME UP SHORT
After winning consecutive titles in '03 and '04 with Kenseth and Kurt Busch, Roush has dropped significantly in the race with Hendrick to be the best multi-car organization.
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The two specialists had been on injured reserve for a month and will try to quickly return to action.
