The 2006 Nextel Cup Rookie Class- in a Chase of Their Own

While the Nextel Cup Series Chase For The Championship traditionally includes ten participators, the Chase for the Rookie Of The Year will exhibit seven in 2006. Six of those seven rookies are considered to be employed by powerhouse programs. Joe Gibbs Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc. Richard Childress Racing, and Chip Ganassi Racing are four of the most recognizable organizations in all of motor sports and each of these teams will take their chances on pristine youthful talent.

It’s doubtful that any of the 2006 rookie candidates will make the chase, but each of these drivers will be facing a chase of their own, the Rookie Of The Year chase. So far, at least four of these rookies have been consistently regarded as the favorite. Martin Truex Jr, Clint Bowyer, Denny Hamlin, and Reed Sorenson have emerged as potential favorites. At the same time, David Stremme and J.J. Yeley fall into the sleeper category. Brent Sherman has been cited as the long-shot.

By the end of 2006, one or more of these car owners will look like geniuses while others will address the decision of giving second chances or exploring other options.

Here’s my synopsis on the Rookie Of The Year Chase

1. 11-Denny Hamlin- Federal Express Chevrolet (Joe Gibbs Racing)

Based on Hamlin’s results in his seven starts in 2005, he is my pick to win the Rookie Of The Year. Hamlin accumulated 806 points, 3 top tens and 1 pole in his 7-race audition. What was most impressive about the whole scenario is that before Hamlin, only one top ten was scored in the team’s first 29 starts. Even two-time champion Terry Labonte was unable to right this ship. What this entails is that Hamlin has adapted quickly to NASCAR’s highest level of competition and has developed chemistry with crew chief Mike Ford.

2. 07-Clint Bowyer- Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet (Richard Childress Racing)