The bigger they are, the harder they fall. We sure saw that with the Roush- Fenway group last year. In 2008, the organization registered 11 wins, and Carl Edwards made a good run at Jimmie Johnson for the Sprint Cup title.
Things started well enough in 2009, as Matt Kenseth rushed out of the gate with two wins in the first two races. Then, Las Vegas happened. In that race, the 2003 champion finished dead last, a harbinger of things to come. Yes- Edwards and Greg Biffle made the Chase, but were never serious threats at dethroning Johnson, and the only other win enjoyed by owner Jack Roush and Company came when Jamie Mc Murray hit the lottery at Talladega in the fall.
There have been a host of theories thrown at the drop off, but Edwards has opined the Roush Fords lacked speed last year. Beyond that, there may be several other things. Whether drivers and crew chief lacked chemistry, or there was too much “overthinking” in the garage, we know this: anything that has Jack Roush behind it is not going to go away quietly. RFR has been hard at work to right the ship over the winter.
You know things “ain’t” right when Matt Kenseth misses the
Chase in a season he has two wins. Kenseth gets more mileage out of car than just about anybody out there. His most loyal fans long for the days of Robbie Reiser atop the pit box. The good news is Kenseth started to bounce back in the last stretch of the season. Hopefully, for Kenseth and Company, a new sponsor and a new look and a new season will hold better things is store.
Though he was winless in a full season for the first time in his career, Greg Biffle actually put together several good runs in 2009. The problems, he also had some runs that were equally as bad, and tactical errors cost “The Biff” a legitimate shot at a couple of wins. The “16” team has a lot going for it. One can’t help but think a tweak (or maybe an “un-tweak”) puts Biffle back in victory lane, and in serious title contention. A Sprint Cup title would enable Biffle to do something no other NASCAR driver has EVER done: win a title in all three of its national touring series. Wouldn’t that be cool?
After two steps forward, David Ragan took two steps, maybe
three, back in 2009. He was predicted to crack the Top 12 by this observer, and the Georgian just never got untracked. There were a few races where Ragan ran up front, but finishing well was just never in the cards. He’ another driver on the circuit who has to be feeling some pressure. Donnie Wingo, a successful NASCAR pit boss, will try to work his magic with “Team 6.”
Of all the drivers most vexed by ‘09, none was more
flummoxed than Carl Edwards. Though he made the Chase, going from nine wins in a season to ZERO has to be a humbling fall. Arguably, without that damnable yellow line, Edwards wins the spring race at Talladega. On the other hand, Edwards was simply not nearly as competitive- good enough to make top tens, but not quite good enough to win on far too many days.
What will also bear watching is any effect the arrival of little Miss Edwards this season. Some say the arrival of Jimmie Johnson’s first child could take his eye off the prize. If you subscribe to that notion (I’m not sure I do myself), then what about Carl, or Elliott Sadler?
Like the drivers for Richard Childress, I expect there’ll be some sort of rebound for Roush- Fenway Racing this season. Who it will be remains to be seen. This team is too well funded and too talented. Of course, here I am talking this way, and they had two drivers in the Chase!
The standards for RFR are high, and rightly so. You know Jack Roush won’t take this sitting down.
PHOTO CREDITS- Carl Edwards runs after crash by Jerry Markland/ Getty Images. Matt Kenseth by Total Photo (Leon). To see more, visit flickr.com. Greg Biffle by Nick Laham/ Getty Images. David Ragan by plstt, and Carl Edwards by Walter G. Arce, courtesy of flickr.com.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post. Love reading your column.
An argument could be made that because of the COT there is less differences between the highly funded teams and the well funded teams. This means that the room at the top will get more crowded. Where the old car made it basically a matter of the biggest gets the most. Today Hendricks and Roush have to contend with Childress, JGR, EGR, Penske and even Red Bull and MWR have contrenders.
There are just more drivers with solid engineering support able to contend for wins with the COT than there was in the old car.
I think there could be a major return for Roush and all four cars. I am hoping having more Fords on the track with help all of them be more competitive. Look for Edwards, Kenseth and Biffle to all win in 2010. I am also hoping for big things from Kahne and Almindinger. I sure hope this year is better than last and I have a feeling it will be much better not only for the Fords but for racing in general.