Elliott Sadler had what many would consider a breakout season in 2004. Credit: Autostock

In Review: Sadler

Despite struggles in Chase, rising star happy with '04 season

This is the 12th of our driver reviews for 2004. This month, NASCAR.COM will review the top 20 drivers.

Thursday: Matt Kenseth

In his sixth year in NASCAR's premier division, Elliott Sadler figured out that not only did he have what it takes to compete for a championship, but that he is finally with a team that can do the same.

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The frustration of fading to ninth in the standings at the end of the inaugural Chase for the Nextel Cup should do nothing to erase what was a career year for Sadler, 29, and his No. 38 M&M's Ford team.

Sadler's learning curve has gotten steeper the past couple seasons at Robert Yates Racing, and his first championship finish better than 20th says a lot for Sadler's potential.

"We've proven that we're a top-10 team and we have top-five, top-six or seven race cars every single week with the M&M's team," Sadler said. "I think this team has a lot of credibility."

Sadler certainly helped that perception with a pair of wins, ironically both over precocious rookie Kasey Kahne, with a total margin of victory of less than .3 seconds.

"Todd Parrott (crew chief) brought a lot to the table and he's got a great surrounding team," Sadler said. "I think I'm just coming into my own as a race car driver by understanding what I need each and every week to be one of the ones to beat, and I'm looking forward to the next couple of years with this team.

"We're the youngest team right now in the top-10 and that's a lot to say. We think we're just going to build on it and be that much better next year."

Sadler's year was stunning, beginning with a victory at Daytona in his Gatorade 125 leading to the Daytona 500. He followed that up with a seventh-place finish in the "Great American Race."

How much of a breakthrough was Sadler's season? Sadler wasn't out of the Nextel Cup Series top 10 all season.

His two victories doubled his previous career total -- a single victory in 2001 in Bristol. His eight top-five and 14 top-10 finishes were also career highs.

The only thing his team lacked was a Bud Pole. Still, he started second for the Daytona 500 and totaled 19 top-10 starts in 36 races.

The No. 38 Ford garnered 14 top-10 finishes in 2004. Credit: Autostock

A humble Sadler made sure to credit his organization, especially his owners and his veteran teammate Dale Jarrett, in his first trip to the stage at the post-season awards banquet.

"I've been in NASCAR Nextel Cup racing for six years and have been able to drive for the two greatest families in the garage -- the Wood Brothers and now Robert Yates Racing," Sadler said. "Robert and Carolyn Yates, thank you for this opportunity -- you welcomed me into your family and your team two years ago, and this year has been one of the best of my life.

"Dale Jarrett, you're a great friend on and off the track. Thank you for your guidance and advice throughout my career."

Sadler's season was marked by its consistency, as he completed 98 percent of the possible miles. His only DNF came when he was involved in an accident started when Joe Nemechek spun at Martinsville.

Perhaps the place where Sadler's youth and inexperience hurt him the worst was in the Chase -- which was uncharted territory for everyone in the sport. Sadler came into the Chase sixth in the points, and climbed as high as fourth, at the halfway point.

In the remaining five races, Sadler finished no better than 23rd and fell to ninth in the final standings. Still, Sadler chalked the Chase up to experience.

"Maybe we had the press on when we shouldn't have had the press on -- it's stuff I've got to learn," Sadler said. "You've got to put yourself in this situation to figure out what you've got to do right and what you've got to do wrong.

"I really feel like if we get in the top 10 again next year, that I'm definitely gonna be a lot better prepared -- I'm gonna know what to understand and what to do.

Sadler's first victory of the season came at Texas Motor Speedway. Credit: Autostock

"I didn't do what I was supposed to do (but) we're still happy with where we're at," he said. "If you would have told us at the beginning of the year that we would be in Victory Lane three times and be one of the only teams in the top-10 in points all year long, it's a good feeling to have."

For the upcoming season, Sadler and Jarrett plan to split time in a Busch Series program fielded by Yates. Sadler plans to run 11 of the car's 19 races, beginning with the inaugural Busch Series event in Mexico City.

Both Sadler and Jarrett said NASCAR's plans to reduce practice time at several tracks next season played a role in their decision to participate in the Busch program. Either way, he's enthused about 2005.

"We've come a long way from 22nd in the points last year," Sadler said. "So if we can keep building with this team and on this experience, we should be fine for the next couple of years."

Before his schedule gets too hectic in January, Sadler said that to chill out and recharge himself for the upcoming season, he would spend plenty of time out in nature, after taking time out for the Nextel Cup awards ceremony in New York City.

"Usually from the time the season ends until January testing rolls around I am in the woods of Virginia," Sadler said. "Hunting is something I've always done since I was a kid growing up in Emporia and it's stress relief for me."