NASCAR Rant
I hate sports "opinions" that say they're opinions then throw in stats as support, all while completely misrepresenting the stats just because it supports their opinion.
Or maybe it's just that they eyeballed the situation, liked what they saw (as to whatever driver they like/dislike) and didn't even bother to play it smart (but went with a sensationalized opinion in order to get people talking).
Either way? Saying that Hendrick should regret firing Busch for Junior because the points (after two races, one of which was a plate race and one of which had crazy weather) show that Busch is just SO much better...yeah, that irks me.
5 Reasons Because...
1. Kyle Busch does have crazy talent. CRAZY talent. I've loved watching him race this year more than I expected, all because of how much he puts out there in an effort to get the win.
2. Junior's talented. He doesn't have the same natural talent as Kyle Busch, but he's amassed some great numbers.
3. Regardless of talent, Junior has better numbers over his career. He's also been on a team that has seen a decline the last couple of years. There are factors outside of just the drivers that go into determining how they do.
4. It's only been two races. Two. Two points races. TWO.
5. Let me just repeat...TWO RACES.
(Can you tell that last part is what irks me the most?)
Of actively running drivers who are running full schedules (which tosses Martin and Jarrett), Kyle hasn't even made a blip on the radar yet in comparison to the ones who've won championships. Part of it is because he's young. History says guys in their 30s are championship winners. (For the record, Tony Stewart was in his 30s when he won his first championship. As was Jimmie Johnson.) Kyle is 22. There was much argument when he came in that he was too young. His talent is great, so it begs the question...if he can drive cars so well at 22, what will he be like at 31? He's on par to be NORMAL based on his numbers. Normal in comparison to the guys that have big numbers. Normal as compared to Junior or Kenseth or Newman or Biffle or even his brother. I think once he gains some maturity and controls his craziness, he'll get even better. But right now, his numbers aren't extraordinary.
Jeff Gordon: 81 wins, 235 top 5s, 318 top 10s
Jimmie Johnson: 33 wins, 87 top 5s, 135 top 10s
Tony Stewart: 32 wins, 120 top 5s, 193 top 10s
Bobby Labonte: 21 wins, 113 top 5s, 195 top 10s
Jeff Burton: 19 wins, 110 top 5s, 194 top 10s
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: 17 wins, 76 top 5s, 122 top 10s
Kurt Busch: 17 wins, 57 top 5s, 106 top 10s
Matt Kenseth: 16 wins, 80 top 5s, 143 top 10s
Ryan Newman: 13 wins, 62 top 5s, 100 top 10s
Greg Biffle: 12 wins, 35 top 5s, 62 top 10s
Kevin Harvick: 11 wins, 49 top 5s, 102 top 10s
Carl Edwards: 8 wins, 36 top 5s, 59 top 10s
Kasey Kahne: 7 wins, 31 top 5s, 51 top 10s
Kyle Busch: 4 wins, 32 top 5s, 53 top 10s