Eyes forward
From young up-and-comers to seasoned veterans across all three national series, Dave Rodman breaks down his list of drivers to keep an eye on in 2011.
Top 5: Drivers to watch in 2011
http://www.nascar.com/news/101231/to...011/index.html
Aric Almirola
- first then-Busch Series race win at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006-2007
- top-10 Cup finish in his sixth start with Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2008
- vying for a Camping World Truck Series title for Billy Ballew in only his second full season in 2010
- 2011 - JR Motorsports' No. 88 Nationwide Series ride is his best chance, yet, to really excel.
Brendan Gaughan
After struggling for seven years across all three of NASCAR's national tours, Brendan Gaughan is happy to be back in the series where he's had the most success.
Gaughan has signed with defending Truck Series champion Germain Racing and he's teamed with bosom buddy, two-time and defending series champion Todd Bodine.
Jamie McMurray
Jamie McMurray's breakout season for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing demands an even more competitive follow-up effort in 2011.
Three DNFs and seven finishes of 30th or worse kept McMurray and crew chief Kevin Manion out of the Chase
Austin Dillon
Austin Dillon is unquestionably a large part of the future of Richard Childress Racing and when you consider the lack of experience the 20-year-old college student had prior to 2010, his breakout Camping World Truck Series' season only leaves RCR fans licking their lips in anticipation of 2011.
Hendrick Motorsports stable
Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr.:
Hendrick Motorsports' three drivers behind five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson, are united under the same magnifying glass in 2011 after owner Rick Hendrick aligned his three veteran pilots with new crew chief/race team combinations after last season.
Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Hendrick Motorsports' three drivers behind five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson, are united under the same magnifying glass in 2011 after owner Rick Hendrick aligned his three veteran pilots with new crew chief/race team combinations after last season.