NASCAR Preview- Part-time Drivers

Mark Martin Leads a Cast of Drivers Running a Limited Schedule

Jan 22, 2008

If Mark Martin proved anything in 2007, it was that a part-time driver can be successful as long as he is properly equipped.

A veteran driver competing in a limited schedule is nothing new to NASCAR. David Pearson began competing in only the superspeedway events in the 1970’s. Despite a limited schedule with the Wood Brothers, Pearson consistently won races. In fact, in 1976, Pearson won 10 of the 22 races he competed in. In the early 1980’s, other veteran drivers such as Cale Yarborough, Benny Parsons, and Buddy Baker reduced their schedule. In 1985, Yarborough posted three wins in only sixteen starts while driving for Harry Ranier. Davey Allison, also driving for Ranier, only competed in 22 races in his rookie season in 1987; however, he won two races and easily clinched the Rookie of the Year honors.

If Mark Martin proved anything in 2007, it was that a part-time driver can be successful as long as he is properly equipped. When the year began, Martin was driving the flagship car for Ginn Racing, and was reaping the benefits of the Hendrick Motorsports horsepower. He nearly won the Daytona 500 and was the series points leader after four races. Martin kept his word and relinquished the driver’s seat when the series visited the Bristol Motor Speedway in Week 5. Nevertheless, many will insist that Martin would have qualified for the Chase for the Championship if he had opted to run the entire schedule. When DEI absorbed Ginn Racing in August, Martin was an added bonus. They now had an esteemed veteran that could mentor DEI’s young group of drivers. Additionally, Mark Martin is one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, so his presence softened the blow of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s departure.

In 2008, Martin may improve on his 2007 results based on the fact that there are no anticipated changes in ownership. I do not believe that Martin will win in 2008, but his presence will significantly benefit the team. He will pilot the U.S. Army Chevrolet in 24 races.

Aric Almirola will drive the car in the remaining twelve races. The former Joe Gibbs Racing driver will benefit from Martin’s tutelage, and by running a partial schedule, he is not being thrown into a high-profile Sprint Cup ride before he is ready. Once it is time for Almirola to fully supplant Martin, he will be better prepared. Consequently, his lack of experience will result in sub-par finishes for the 8 team when he is behind the wheel.

2. 21-Bill Elliott/ Marcos Ambrose/Jon Wood, Little Debbie/U.S. Air Force Ford

Bill Elliott is expected to compete in the Budweiser Shootout and the Daytona 500 in the famed #21 Ford, as well as fifteen additional races throughout the season. Despite being 52 years old, Elliott is the team’s best driver and they will see their best results with him behind the wheel. Nonetheless, the Wood Brothers are simply not a top 25 team right now, even with the 1988 champion as the driver.

Marcos Ambrose is expected to compete in 10 to 12 races, and Jon Wood will pilot the #21 Ford in 9 races. Ambrose displayed potential in his rookie season in the Busch, now Nationwide Series, and he could surface as the team’s next full-time driver.

Wood had some health issues in 2007, which may have set him back. It seems that he may need more grooming before he is promoted to a full-time Sprint Cup ride.

The best thing that could have happened for Scott Wimmer following three fruitless seasons with Bill Davis Racing and Morgan-McClure Motorsports was to land a ride with Richard Childress Racing. Even though it was a limited Busch Series schedule, Wimmer was competitive every time he was behind the wheel. In 2007, Wimmer only qualified for one Sprint Cup race; however, I have a feeling that you will see more of Wimmer in the Sprint Cup series in 2008.

Dale Jarrett will pilot the UPS Toyota Camry in the season’s first six races before the 1999 Winston Cup Champion hangs up his helmet for good. Jarrett’s transition from Robert Yates Racing to Michael Waltrip Racing did not go as smoothly as he may have envisioned. He failed to qualify for 12 races in 2007. Hopefully, Jarrett will be able to ride off into the sunset after qualifying successfully for the scheduled six races. Performance-wise, Waltrip’s team improved in 2007, but not enough for Jarrett fans to count on one more farewell victory.

Boris Said is expected to appear in five races in 2008. His tentative schedule includes both races at Daytona, both road course races, and the fall Talladega event. Of course, he would like to add to his agenda. It is no secret that Said is one of the finest road racers in motorsports. Furthermore, he has shown some strength on the restrictor plate tracks as well. He won the pole and finished fourth at Daytona in July of 2006. Because this team is not locked in the top 35 in the Sprint Cup owner’s standings, Said’s foremost concern will be qualifying for the race.

Other part-time drivers and teams-

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