“Young Guns” or “Wiley Ole’ Veterans” in 2003?
By: Andy Kondratick
The first sounds of engines at Daytona are being heard and testing is underway. The one thing that sticks out in my mind is how the body changes and new NASCAR mandated measurement requirements for the cars are going to make a huge difference. I believe that with these changes the cars will start handling the way they used to back in the days of old. That combined with the new weight rule announced yesterday and GOODYEAR bringing a softer tire compound back to the mix, the “Wiley Ole’ Veterans” will be back on top and have the upper hand.
I have nothing against the “Young Guns” of NASCAR. They are all a breed of young hell raisers who live life on the edge and bring back memories of guys like Buddy Baker, Richard Petty and “Fire Ball” Roberts to name a few. They are great ambassadors for our sport. Letting it all hang out every time the motor starts and the tires roll. They bring in new fans to the sport, a different audience if you will, who wouldn’t normally watch NASCAR if it weren’t for them. They are vital to keeping our sport alive. But, I am sorry to say that this year isn’t going to be as kind to the younger generation of NASCAR drivers. I believe all the changes made in the specs of the cars are going to benefit the Veterans. If the handling of the stock car goes back to the way things used to be and the tires are softer again, we won’t be seeing any rookies or young guns in victory lane anytime soon.
Let me explain. By allowing these changes to take affect the Vets of NASCAR gain the upper hand by experience and knowledge. They have been here before. They know what to expect with softer tires and a taller car. They know how far they can push them and they also can read by feel better than a younger less experienced driver. Drivers like Rusty and Awesome Bill will be talked about a lot this year I am sure.
I expect all the past champions who still run this series to do well. As a matter of fact I am publicly going to announce who I think will win the Daytona 500 this year. I wish I could say that Rusty Wallace will shake his monkey off with the new #2 Miller Light Dodge and finally add the 500 to his list of victories, but I think we will see Terry Labonte in victory lane. That’s right! No it’s not a misprint. You read correctly. Chevy has dominated superspeedways for a while now and I don’t see that trend stopping anytime soon. I feel Terry has been off the past couple of years due to personnel and equipment, not his driving abilities. You try driving Jeff Gordon’s leftovers and see how well you do. With all the changes made to the Monte Carlo and in Terry Labonte’s team this year, I feel he stands to be the one everyone is talking about by mid-way through the 2003 season. No, I am not crazy and I haven’t been sniffing glue. Terry has new cars now just like everyone else and he has Hendrick backing him.
I think a lot of the older viewers of this sport will agree with me. I feel that Labonte as well as Elliott, Wallace, Marlin, Martin and everyone else in their class will have good years. Just because I think the “Old Dogs” are going to do better doesn’t mean I think all the younger drivers will do bad. You can always count on the Earnhardt name to see victory lane. Guys like Stewart, Kenseth, Harvick and the Burtons all have what it takes to win but in a 36-race season that’s just not enough. You have to have the whole package.
This has been one fan’s opinion. - Rogue Reporter Andy
E-mail me at roguereporter@comcast.net
January 3, 2003 -
The preseason testing has begun and all the new NASCAR templates are in place. The 2003 season may breathe life back into the Veterans of this sport, leaving the Young Guns eating rubber.