Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award finalist: Jeff Hanson

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Lorene King

Lorene King, executive director of the NASCAR Foundation, has done a Q&A with each of the four finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. They will appear on NASCAR.com this week.

RELATED: Cast your vote today

As another year comes swiftly to a close, we should all take time for reflection. As a charitable organization, we are thankful for those of you whose volunteer service impacts the lives of others and our communities.

Volunteerism remains strong with one in four adults volunteering in our country. The NASCAR Foundation has established the encouragement and support of volunteerism as one of our major efforts. Through the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award that honors our founder, Betty Jane France, we annually receive and review hundreds of nominees from which four finalists are selected.

The stories of these four outstanding, everyday champions and the charities they serve are told through special appearances at NASCAR races, our marketing efforts and those of our supporters and sponsors. We are blessed this year that Nationwide has joined us as Presenting Sponsor of the Award and is helping us spread the word about each of our finalists and their work for children.

This week, we are giving you a more in-depth look at each of this year’s finalists. These outstanding volunteers will touch your heart, so please stay tuned as each of these champions for children share their passion. And you can help — vote for your favorite every day, share these stories through social media, and tune in to the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at Wynn Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 4 (NBCSN), to see the winner of this year’s award.

Q: What does it mean to you to be among the finalists for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide this year?

A: It is an honor to be a finalist for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award presented by Nationwide. Mrs. France is an amazing role model and I am proud that my philanthropic efforts on behalf of children’s charities has been recognized for an award named in her honor.

Q: How does being selected as a finalist further your cause?

The Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) is a small organization funding research for a big disorder: neurofibromatosis, or NF. NF affects one in 3,000 people — which is more common than Huntington’s disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis combined! Yet, you have likely never heard of it. NASCAR is one of the most popular sports in the United States. The exposure that an affiliation with The NASCAR Foundation can bring to an organization like CTF, and the awareness of NF in general, is enormous.

Q: Why did you choose to work with this organization and/or cause?

A: I was born with NF. When I was 6 years old, doctors found a tumor on my optic nerve (the nerves in your eyes) and began treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation caused me to lose my sight by the time I was 12. My first fundraising idea — Jeff’s Bistro — sold my hand-painted note cards, and I decided to donate the money to CTF. CTF is the world leader in funding NF research, and I want to help make a difference in the lives of others, who like me, are living with NF.

Q: What inspires you and your personal commitment to your cause?

A: I have been blessed. While being diagnosed with NF is not anything I would wish on anyone else, it has changed my life in ways I could not have imagined. My art makes me happy. Helping others through my art makes me happy. I don’t want to be known as the kid who lost his vision because of an NF tumor. I want to be known as the kid who used his art to raise a million dollars for charity.

Q: What has been the most rewarding moment during your work with your charity so far?

A: Working with the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s Racing4Research program has been so rewarding. In 2014 and 2015, we worked together to use my art to create liveries for six professional race cars. Not only was it amazing to see my art racing around the track at 180 mph, it was most rewarding to meet children in Daytona Beach, Florida, who live with NF and to see how much it meant to them knowing that a kid with NF had created the artwork used on the race cars. They took as much pride in those race cars as I did!

Q: Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you, your charity and your work?

A: I am a kid from Kansas who was faced with a choice: I could have felt bad for myself because NF cost me my vision, or I could have chosen to live a life with purpose. I chose not to let my “CLOD” (my nickname for the tumor on my optic nerve) define me but to live my life with a purpose instead — to change the world through art. I hope to help find a cure for NF by raising money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation through my artwork.

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Staff Report

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, who missed the first 11 races of the 2015 season after suffering multiple injuries in a NASCAR XFINITY Series season-opening wreck at Daytona, confirmed he will have two additional surgeries in December.

On either Dec. 14 or Dec. 15, Busch hopes to have both procedures done at the same time — one to remove the plates and screws from his left foot and the other to remove the rod from his right leg. Those devices were put in during corrective surgery in February.

“When I get the foot surgery done, I haven’t heard exactly how long I’m supposed to be off of that, but the doctor made it seem as if once the plates and screws come out, I’ll be able to walk on it right away,” Busch said during a teleconference. “It’ll be to rehab to make sure that all the joints that have been immobilized for the last nine months, we get them kind of woken back up in a smooth fashion and break it in let’s say.

“And then the leg, though, you know, I’m going to be down for probably they said about four weeks with the leg. Just having to re-go through the knee and to cut the knee open again in order to pull the rod out, that’s going to be the most traumatic part and just having that have to heal and go back together.”

Busch completed his Champion’s Tour duties on Tuesday in New York City. Next up is a stop in hometown Las Vegas for Champion’s Week.

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Pat DeCola

The classic NASCAR film “Days of Thunder” was loosely based on the career of 13-time premier series victor Tim Richmond, who had earned the nickname “Hollywood.”

Given his comfort in the spotlight over the course of the past two decades, perhaps the nickname would also suit Jeff Gordon, who retired from full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition after falling just short in his bid for a historic fifth title on Sunday.

Born a California boy, it was clear from the start of his career that Gordon was cut from a different cloth than the good ol’ boys who had ruled NASCAR throughout its storied history.

He was polished. He was refined. He was — eventually, once mustache met razor — well-groomed.

And people took notice.

Before long there were endorsements, seemingly more Gordon memorabilia lining the shelves than shelves themselves and, oh yeah, four titles in his first nine seasons, solidifying a Hall of Fame resume before he even hit age 30.

And Gordon’s influence on the actual racing part of the sport will be everlasting. Take a look at the final Sprint Cup standings. There are only two drivers in the top 25 who originally hail from North Carolina (Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Austin Dillon ), NASCAR’s original talent pool hot bed.

Many factors led to this, but Gordon’s All-American appeal, charm and charisma helped pave the way — even while playing the foil to Dale Earnhardt — opening up NASCAR to a mainstream audience, flooding stands and couches in front of non-flat-screened TV sets with an audience that stretched from coast to coast, border to border.

An audience that tuned in to see Gordon become the first — and to date, only — race car driver host one of America’s most notable television programs, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

Jeff Gordon‘s monologue from a 2003 episode of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

“I asked (Gordon) recently, a while back, about what made you go on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ what made you want to do that,” NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France said Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. “Number 1, he said, ‘Well, they asked me.’ And I said, ‘Well, OK.’ But he said, ‘Look, I felt comfortable doing a lot of things that were not mainstream for a NASCAR driver.’

“And he was smart about it. He knew that that could separate him from other drivers and he was good at it.”

Gordon’s SNL appearance on Jan. 11, 2003, was a tipping point of bringing NASCAR to the masses, an unquestionable testament to the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s popularity and wide-ranging allure.

Gordon got to “beat up” a fake Gary Busey while hosting “SNL.”

It’s the crowning achievement in Gordon’s on-screen roles, a list that includes 27 appearances on “Live!” (with Regis/Kathie Lee/Kelly/Michael), including 11 guest hosting gigs.

He’s also appeared in “Spin City”, “Arli$$”, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”, “The Drew Carey Show”, “Looney Tunes: Back in Action”, “Taxi”, “Herbie Fully Loaded”, “Sesame Street”, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”, “Top Gear”, “The Simpsons”, “Jeopardy” and even “Cars 2” — as the appropriately named character “Jeff Gorvette.”

That curriculum vitae alone — which is pared down; check out his entire IMDb page — shows Gordon’s star power across generations of fans and television watchers.

Gordon also got to play a fighter pilot.

Ultimately, with Gordon walking away on such a high note from the sport he’s gotten so much out of, NASCAR has reaped the benefits of his contributions. Millions of NASCAR fans can thank Jeff Gordon for opening their eyes to the sport.

“He’s one of those guys, I always look back at drivers that take out a lot less than they put in,” France said. “He’s one of those guys that has put in a lot to grow the sport. And other drivers should think about that a little bit. Because he’s really a model in that respect.

“I have a lot of respect for Jeff Gordon.”

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Lorene King

Lorene King, executive director of the NASCAR Foundation, has done a Q&A with each of the four finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. They will appear on NASCAR.com this week.

RELATED: Cast your vote today

Q: What does it mean to you to be among the finalists for the NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award sponsored by Nationwide?

A: To be chosen as a finalist and to be recognized for all I have done and given; to do something, helps me emotionally. Though this nomination will not bring my daughter Erin back, it comforts me greatly to be recognized for doing something, so more survive sepsis!

Q: How will being selected as a finalist further your cause?

A: Just being chosen as a finalist and competing for this year’s award requires educating people about sepsis. Less than 50 percent of Americans have heard the word, “sepsi,” yet it is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States and the No. 1 cause of death in most hospitals. Another factor furthering our cause is the exposure from The NASCAR Foundation; by highlighting this as one finalist’s cause, millions will be introduced to the word, “sepsis,” thus creating needed public awareness.

Sepsis kills more children than childhood cancer. No one even knows the total number of people, including children who survive, but who lose limbs or have disabilities sometimes for the rest of their lives.

Q: Why did you choose to work with this organization or for this cause?

A: I did not choose to work for this cause, it chose me! When we lost Erin to sepsis — something I had never heard of — I looked around for answers and support. There were none. There were no advocacy groups, no institutions dealing with this and even most nurses and other healthcare providers did not have any education on sepsis. SO, I did not choose this organization. I started it.

Q: What inspires you and your personal commitment to this cause?

A: What inspires me has changed since I became involved. We lost Erin in April of 2002 from sepsis. I am now inspired by my Erin, plus all the unnecessary deaths and disabilities in the U.S. and worldwide. I am actually on a task force of the Global Sepsis Alliance that is working with the World Health Organization. Much to do, many to save!

Q: What is the most rewarding moment during your work with your charity so far?

A: The most rewarding moment is when I get confirmation and appreciation that I did something. Also, when I help someone survive physically or when I can help survivors heal is very rewarding. It is very rewarding and gratifying to know you are helping change the world regarding what may be the No. 1 cause of death on this planet!

Posted on November 24, 2015 by

The Championship Round at Homestead-Miami Speedway was certainly full of tense, high-drama moments for drivers Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr.

That’s especially true for Gordon, who was competing for his fifth premier series championship in his final full-time season. But while the pressure was ramped up, there were still instances of light-hearted moments — perhaps none as beautifully and expertly captured as the one with Ella Sofia Gordon.

Ella, Gordon’s 8-year-old daughter, accompanied her dad during driver introductions. When it was time for the group photo of championship contenders, she obviously had to get out of the frame.

But how?

This is the perfect solution — just look at the grin on her face! — and also a beautiful picture.

What a weekend, great memories! Can’t thank everyone enough for all the love & support! Amazing! Just like this pic�� pic.twitter.com/6lursxZEt2

— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) November 24, 2015

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Holly Cain

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Joey Gase was as surprised as he was touched in winning the inaugural Comcast Community Champion Award at Monday night’s NASCAR XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series awards banquet.

Gase, 22, was genuinely touched by the big honor — a tribute to his mother Mary Jo, who died from a brain aneurysm when Gase was only 18 years old.

Four people representing NASCAR’s three series were among the group nominated for the award — in addition to Gase it also included Martin Truex Jr. and his girlfriend Sherry Pollex (Sprint Cup) and Martha Nemechek (grandmother of Truck series driver John Hunter Nemechek).

Truex and Pollex were nominated for the award for their work with cancer patients and Nemechek was honored for her time helping grieving families — a nod to the loss of her youngest son John, 27, who died from injuries suffered in a Truck Series race at Homestead, Florida in 1997.

Gase was absolutely surprised when his name was announced, but also extremely humbled and grateful to be the selection.

“It’s amazing,” a thankful Gase said. “It’s the first time Comcast has done this and not only to honor my mom, but to let people know we’re doing everything we can.

“I was surprised. I didn’t know what to expect for sure.”

Gase was obviously extremely touched by the award, speaking about what the $60,000 donation from Comcast will mean as he continues his work to increase awareness about organ donation.

“It is very sad, but for me and my family. … the one thing that was able to come from it was my mom was able to help 66 people and she would be proud to know that. A lot of people think only of the recipients but it’s also the other family members knowing that if it wasn’t for my mom their loved one wouldn’t be helped.”

A $30,000 donation was also made to the charitable organizations of Truex and Nemechek.

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Zack Albert

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Moments after accepting the trophy for fourth place in the 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series standings with his former team, Johnny Sauter shed light on who would fill an important role for his new team.

Sauter said that Marcus Richmond will move over to become his crew chief as he transitions to GMS Racing ahead of the 2016 season. Richmond spent the last two seasons with Red Horse Racing, helping guide Timothy Peters and the No. 17 Toyota to three victories during that span.

“Obviously, we’ve already got things set in motion,” Sauter said Monday night at the series’ annual awards banquet. “As far as people and personnel, we’ve still got a couple guys that we’re trying to assemble to make it what we want it to be, but obviously Marcus Richmond’s going to come over and be the crew chief and he’s got some key people that he thinks are going to help the program. … Lot of work to be done in a few short months, but they’re working hard.”

GMS announced on Oct. 15 that Sauter would become a teammate to Spencer Gallagher after spending the last seven seasons driving the ThorSport Racing No. 98 Toyota. On Monday, Sauter revealed another key piece of the puzzle.

Peters closed out the season with a change atop the pit box, with veteran Butch Hylton replacing Richmond for the finale. Though their work partnership may have ended, Peters said his long-running friendship with Richmond — with roots all the way back to childhood years — would endure.

“Hate the circumstances for sure, but it was a mutual decision to part ways with Red Horse and Marcus,” said Peters, who finished fifth in the season-long truck series standings. “Definitely, he and I are still best friends and wish him well.”

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Zack Albert

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Navigating through negative comments from detractors on social media is often a tough road. For Samantha Busch, criticism has been a much more personal topic of late, one that brings emotional timbres to her voice.

Her husband, Kyle Busch, hoisted the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship trophy for the first time Sunday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway, capping a stirring comeback season that opened with multiple severe leg injuries in a harrowing crash during the NASCAR XFINITY Series opener at Daytona International Speedway. Busch missed the first 11 races of the year as he recovered, returning to competition in mid-May with an exemption from NASCAR officials that kept him eligible for the title.

When that eligibility eventually resulted in his first premier-series championship, online naysayers renewed their scrutiny of a decision and a playoff format that kept Busch’s dreams intact. For Samantha Busch, that criticism hit home.

“The waiver is very emotional,” she said Monday night, moments after accepting accolades for her husband’s championship-winning team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ season-ending awards banquet. “First of all, it wasn’t just there for Kyle. It’s been used for other drivers. It’s been used for Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch and I believe Kyle Larson, so it’s not like something that was just invented for Kyle and this injury. So that’s the first thing that gets me a little emotional.

“But secondly, I think people just think, ‘Oh, he got to take 11 weeks off and so he’s more refreshed than other drivers.’ Absolutely wrong. He was sitting there trying to learn how to bend his toes, how to move his foot, how to stand up out of bed. It was not a walk in the park for him, it was not a vacation, and it was probably the hardest thing he’s ever done in his life, and not only did he do it with such determination and passion, but he came back so much earlier than anyone expected.”

Samantha Busch recounted the more difficult moments of her husband’s rehabilitation — the falls, the doubts, and the struggle of merely learning to walk again.

“People don’t see what we went through,” Busch said. “They don’t know every hour. They don’t understand how hard he works and I think that’s why I get a little bit more emotional about it.”

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Official NASCAR Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 24, 2015) – The celebration will continue after the trophy is lifted at Homestead-Miami Speedway as NASCAR^® presents the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards™ hosted by actor and comedian Drew Carey. Live from Wynn Las Vegas on Friday, Dec. 4, fans can tune-in to coverage of the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards™ beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. NBCSN will also begin coverage at 8 p.m. ET from the red carpet, followed by the awards broadcast at 9 p.m. ET.

This year’s show will also feature a lineup of performances from award-winning musical artists Andy Grammer, Sam Hunt, Rachel Platten, and Sabrina Carpenter.

As the current host of The Price is Right and former host of Who’s Line is it Anyway?, Drew Carey will bring a seasoned air of entertainment and comedy to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards stage. Best known for his self-portrayal on The Drew Carey Show, which garnered seven Emmy nominations, Carey has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including three People’s Choice Awards, an Editor’s Choice TV Guide Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“This has been a tremendous year for NASCAR, and I’m honored to host this headlining event as fans all across the country tune-in to pay homage to the accomplishments of the 2015 champion,” said Carey. “I look forward to rounding out the 2015 NASCAR^® racing season with a night of epic proportions alongside some of the greatest names in sports and entertainment.”

Triple-platinum selling recording artist Andy Grammer will perform at the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards. The pop singer best known for hits such as “Keep Your Head Up” and “Back Home” took America by storm in 2015 with his smash single, “Honey, I’m Good” turning it into one of the year’s catchiest songs. A deluxe edition of his sophomore album, Magazines Or Novels was released on Nov. 20 featuring Andy’s brand new single, “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah.)”

The evening’s musical lineup will also feature country star Sam Hunt, who took home the honor of New Artist of the Year at Sunday night’s American Music Awards. His critically-acclaimed debut album Montevallo has so far produced three consecutive No. 1 platinum-selling singles with “Leave the Night On,” “House Party” and the double-platinum “Take Your Time,” plus his current platinum-selling Top 15, “Break Up In A Small Town.”

Rachel Platten, one of this year’s breakout artists with her double platinum No. 1 hit single, “Fight Song”, will also grace the awards stage. Her current chart-climbing single, “Stand By You” will be released on her highly-anticipated forthcoming album, Wildfire.

Rounding out the night’s performances will be multi-talented singer / songwriter Sabrina Carpenter, who currently stars on the Disney Channel original series Girl Meets World. Carpenter released her debut album, Eyes Wide Open earlier this year, which features “We’ll be the Stars” and its namesake single, “Eyes Wide Open.”

“The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards marks the pinnacle of our season as we have the opportunity to commend the drivers and teams for all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year,” said Zane Stoddard, NASCAR vice president of entertainment marketing and content development. “With Drew Carey at the wheel and a lineup of performances from some of the most celebrated entertainers in the music industry, it will certainly be a finale to remember for everyone joining us in Las Vegas and the NASCAR fans watching at home.”

This year’s artists will join a star-studded group of actors and musicians who have previously performed at NASCAR’s championship celebration, including Lady Antebellum, Sara Bareilles, Dierks Bentley, and Kid Rock. Part of the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week™ in Las Vegas, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards is the headlining experience in a series of events that also includes the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Fanfest, NASCAR After The Lap™ and NASCAR Victory Lap™, where fans get a front row seat as the 16 Challengers™ roar down Las Vegas Boulevard. Visit www.NASCAR.com/ChampionsWeek to view the full NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week schedule.

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Pat DeCola

KyleBusch

Busch has always shown the promise and he finally delivered in 2015, amidst some seemingly insurmountable circumstances to start the season.

MORE: Busch wins first title

Kevinharvick

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Harvick nearly became the first back-to-back Cup champion since Jimmie Johnson, falling just short of the race win at Homestead. He’s a near lock to be in similar position next year.

MORE: No title defense for Harvick

Jeffgordon

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Despite not winning his fifth title, Gordon rides into the sunset with his head held high before handing the No. 24 reins to rookie Chase Elliott.

MORE: Gordon walks away on Cloud Nine

Joeylogano

After missing out on a title opportunity at Homestead, expect one of 2015’s most consistently strong drivers to come out roaring in 2016 — and possibly defend his Daytona 500 win.

Martintruex jr

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A season of highs for Truex should only improve over the offseason as his Furniture Row Racing team shifts to Toyota and a corresponding technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing.

MORE: Truex focuses on positives

Mattkenseth

Kenseth certainly felt he should’ve been among the title contenders at Homestead, and don’t expect him to forget any time soon about not being behind the wheel for two of the Eliminator Round races. He’ll be motivated in ’16.

DaleEarnhardt Jr.

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The speed Junior showed in his first year with crew chief Greg Ives is a springboard for the 88 team in 2016, which could wind up being Hendrick Motorsports’ strongest entry.

BradKeselowski

Keselowski is now three champions removed from his title season of 2012 and the desire to get back in title contention continues to grow. Do not be surprised if we see two Team Penske cars racing for a title a year from now.

JimmieJohnson

Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus appeared to rekindle their mid-season performance as the season drew to a close, something that should carry over to 2016.

Kurtbusch

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Busch rebounded tremendously from a forgettable ’14 campaign, and now that he and crew chief Tony Gibson have more than a full year of working together under their belts, the 41 could be right there with the teammate Kevin Harvick’s 4 in 2016.

DennyHamlin

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Hamlin at times looked primed to be a lock for a second straight Championship 4 appearance. He also, at times, looked like he belonged in the lower half of the Chase field standings.

MORE: Hamlin tweaks Harvick

Carledwards

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Like Hamlin, Edwards flirted with both dominance and mediocrity, but 2016 should see the two of them lean more toward the former as they continue to get acquainted with their crew chiefs.

Jamiemcmurray

There certainly were positive gains for McMurray in 2015 — he made his first Chase, for example — but the progression overall has slowed. At age 39, what we see might be all we get from the veteran.

Kylelarson

McMurray’s teammate, on the other hand, once again showed significant progress toward the end of the season, nearly winning the season finale at Miami. With a new crew chief in tow, look for Larson to make big leaps in 2016.

MORE: New crew chief for Larsonh

Ryannewman

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Newman couldn’t quite back up his 2014 success in 2015, finishing nine spots lower in the standings with one less top-10 finish.

Kaseykahne

Looking for a bounce-back candidate for 2016? Here’s your guy. We’ve seen Kahne’s flashes of brilliance — six wins in 2006 — but it’s been a while. With so much talent waiting to find a seat in the series, next season is a pivotal one for the veteran.

Aricalmirola

A year removed from making the Chase, Almirola took a step back in 2015. The Richard Petty Motorsports driver failed to make the Chase or win a race and managed one less top-10 finish while leading just three laps all year.

Paulmenard

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Menard had an interesting season, finishing with three less top 5s, eight less top 10s and 35 less laps led — just 10 overall — but made the Chase for the first time. So, call it a wash?

ClintBowyer

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Bowyer is a major wild card for next year. Shifting to HScott Motorsports for a season before he takes over Tony Stewart’s ride in 2017, it’s tough to tell if he’s in better equipment than his current Michael Waltrip Racing, which is closing its doors. He may be held without a victory again in 2016, which would be his fourth straight winless season.

AustinDillon

Dillon managed to add one more top-10 finish in 2015 than last year, but many pegged him for a bigger leap. Next year could be big for his progression, but he has yet to show much ability to compete for race wins on top of finishing a spot lower in the standings.

Ajallmendinger

Still a driver seen as a road course ace and nothing more, Allmendinger will look to improve his oval acumen as he settles into a long-term deal with JTG Daugherty Racing.

RickyStenhouse Jr.

Stenhouse appeared to start to figure things out toward the end of the season, which was more or less a lost campaign for Roush Fenway Racing as a whole on the Cup side.

DanicaPatrick

With sponsor GoDaddy — and its accompanying neon green and orange color scheme — a thing of the past, Patrick will be harder to spot on the track, until she starts turning heads with her performance. It could be in 2016.

Greg Biffle

Biffle is another solid bounce-back candidate. He’s a much, much better driver than what we saw from him in 2015, and the across the board mediocrity shown by RFR suggests it’s more performance-based than driver-based.

Tonystewart

In his final season on the circuit with a new (yet-to-be-announced) crew chief, there’s nowhere to go but up for Tony Stewart — right?