NSC 2008 Year in Preview: Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle
Friday, January 4th, 2008Rolling right along in 2008…
For our second YIP, we’re going to take a look at Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle.
Ryan Newman
Let’s see…the number 12 Penske Dodge of Ryan Newman finished the 2007 season without a single win, but with 9 top ten finishes. Not great…but not totally awful, either. He even managed to squeak out two top fives. But what does that say about this driver, who has 12 career wins and 98 (count ‘em!) top tens?
Well…I don’t have a lot of faith in Newman this year either. In 2003, his average finish was 6.7. In 2007, it was 13.8. Ouch. Talk about slippage! Unfortunately, I think that trend is set to continue. I’m not as optimistic for Newman as I was about Sadler and McMurry yesterday - for Ryan, I foresee a finish no higher than 17th in the 2008 season. I just don’t see that his team has made any super positive changes to put him in a better position for 2008. Sorry, Ryan!
Greg Biffle
I’m much more optimistic for Greg Biffle for 2008. After a lackluster showing in 2007 that still managed to a nice win and six top tens, I think Biffle’s star is on the rise in 2008. Also a Roush Fenway driver, the #16 Dodge is driven by a man with a lot of heart - and that heart will propel him to the top in 2008.
But why? Well, other than just being the opinion of your favorite NASCAR blogger, Biffle has been a part of his team for more than ten years now, and although he has been super victorious in Busch and Truck, has experienced some major growing pains and inconsistent output in Cup. I think 2008 is the year that will end - with the right combination of a fabulous team, a good driver, and just a little bit of luck, I predict a top ten finish for Greg Biffle in 2008.
Hurry back to see the next set of 2008 Year in Preview Predictions! Next up: Robby Gordon and Kasey Kahne!
Until then, drive fast and turn left!



