THE 2002 ROOKIE CLASS: By-Bethann Puderbaugh Check out ALL our sections and features here!! There is plenty to keep you busy on our main page! This years Rookie of the Year race can pretty much be narrowed down to two drivers, the only ones that have firm financial backing Jimmie Johnson & Ryan Newman. But lets take a look at all the 2002 rookies and I will give my fearless prediction/thoughts on the outcome of their season. RYAN NEWMAN: Taking over the #12 Alltel/Mobil 1 Ford this year is Ryan Newman. Last year Ryan started in 7 cup races. In June Ryan took 5th at Michigan and took a surprising 2nd place at Kansas. With those great finishes, Ryan has shown to everyone that he is going to be a real contender for Rookie of the Year. With the backing of owner Roger Penske and with veteran driver Rusty Wallace as a teammate this kid should put on a great show and could be a threat to win a race or two. SHAWNA ROBINSON: Last years deal with MK Racing had Shawna attempting to qualify for 4 races. Last year she qualified 32nd in the June Michigan race and brought the car home 34th. This years deal with BAM racing has her attempting to make 24 of the scheduled 36 Winston Cup races, but without financial backing it may end up being a rough year. I think that this is probably the best equipment Shawna has ever had (at least since I have been watching racing), I hope she can pull something together, make some races, and get some seat good o'l seat time. Don't worry Jimmie/Ryan, you have nothing to worry about. CARL LONG: Well he deserves a medal for effort! Last year Long attempted to make 12 races, and made 3 of them. This year Carl will attempt to make 28-30 races with 3 different owners. Carl is yet another car who is seeking sponsorship. Long drives his own hauler, and family members/friends serve as crew members, but his love for racing drives him to continue his quest and he does the best with what he has. Due to lack of funding I think Carl is going to have a rough time...Lack of money = .BAD Equipment. Good Luck Carl, you are going to need it. JIMMIE JOHNSON: Jimmy has got one heck of a ride this year and great teammates in Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, and Jerry Nadeau. Well what can I say about this kid? He is starting on the pole in the Daytona 500! Ok so he can qualify, but how is he going to do in the draft. I think those 42 Hungry Drivers behind him are going to show him a thing or two. We'll have to wait and see. He should give Ryan Newman a run for his money. So, Now for my Rookie of the Year Pick!!!! DRUMROLL PLEASE....... .Ryan Newman. As much as I hate to say it being a Chevy fan, I think Ryan Newman in the #12 Alltel/Mobil 1 Ford is going to take the Rookie of the Year trophy with Jimmie a close second. My reasoning...a mix of talent, good equipment, great teammate/team support, and the desire to win. One thing is for sure, it will sure be an interesting season for both drivers. As always I say.....Lets hope for a competitive and safe 2002 season. If you want to contact me about this or any other article you can contact me at Bethann@insidethepitbox.com Check out ALL our sections and features here!! There is plenty to keep you busy on our main page! (Editors Note:The views and opinions of our writers are just that, theirs. If you have comments, write to them. We take no responsibility for their articles... Do you blame us?) Article archives Return to the Main Page