NASCAR’S Youngest, Set For A Breakout Season
A lot of changes have taken place in the world of NASCAR since the end of the 2016 season. Rules and even NASCAR’s main sponsor is different. What is now known as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Coming into the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, there are several drivers that could have a breakout season.
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson had a great year last year as he made the Chase, now known as ‘Playoffs’, for the first time in his young career. Larson started all 36 races racking up 15 top-ten and10 top-five finishes. His first major win came at Michigan last season. Larson was eliminated in the first round of the Playoffs last year mainly due to an electrical problem at Dover. With a fresh start, 2017 could be the year Kyle Larson goes big.
Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott is coming over of a great, successful rookie season. A lot of pressure was placed on Elliott as he had to fill the role of Jeff Gordon in the 24 car. Not only did he have pressure from that but he had pressure to live up to his last name. I mean he is an Elliott for crying out loud. Elliott recorded 10 top-five and 17 top-10 finishes with a birth in the Playoffs. If Elliott can remain consistent and avoid any type of sophomore slump, expect him to be there in the end.
Erik Jones
In August of last season, Furniture Row Racing introduced Erik Jones as the driver of a second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series car the team will field in 2017. Number 77 will be placed on the side of his car as he will take the field among NASCAR’s best. Jones had 4 wins in the XFINITY series in 2016.
Daniel Suarez
In 2016, Daniel Suarez became the first Mexican driver to win a NASCAR Championship as he took home the XFINITY Series Championship trophy. Suarez will be taking over the number 19 car after Carl Edwards’ sudden retire. Coming off an unremarkable championship in the XFINITY Series, Suarez has big shoes to fill but has the talent and mentality to do exactly that.
There’s no doubt the 2017 NASCAR season will be anything short of exciting. Young drivers are set to have breakout seasons and top the ones previously done. What drivers will step up to the plate and break away from the rest on the pack? We find out in 15 days at the Daytona 500.
