All Jacked Up
Is Joe Gibbs Racing the best in the biz?
Posted by: Jason Randall
Monday, April 28, 2008 11:47 PM
Kyle Busch's Sprint Cup win Sunday at Talladega was impressive. Frankly, all of the Joe Gibbs Racing cars were impressive, especially at the beginning of the race.I heard a quick blurb on TV today before heading out the door that proclaimed JGR is the best team in NASCAR, and it made me think about how you would define "best team."
If you mean the team with the best cars, well, maybe JGR is the right call. Joe Gibbs cars have three wins and 12 top fives this season through nine races.
On the flip side, Hendrick Motorsports (the team I still believe is the best in the series) has one win and 10 top fives.
And although crashes can be accidental, JGR has two DNFs this year and Hendrick has five, with many of the Hendrick DNFs being mechanical.
However, if you're talking about team as far as best drivers, then I really think I would have to take Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson is the back-to-back defending champion and Jeff Gordon, whether you like him or not, is one of the greatest drivers of all time and a four-time champion.
Stewart is a two-time champ, but that's it for JGR. Then again, you could argue that Busch and Denny Hamlin have a brighter upside than those with Hendrick.
So what makes a team great? What makes one team better than the other? Is it the car or the driver?
I realize it's a chicken or egg situation, but I'd love to hear what you think. A lesser driver can look good with a great car, and a great driver can do more with a so-so car.
Here's my list of the top-14 teams in the Sprint Cup series:
1. Hendrick Motorsports
2. Joe Gibbs Racing
T3. Roush Fenway Racing
T3. Richard Childress Racing
5. Penske Racing
6. Chip Ganassi Racing
7. Dale Earnhardt Inc.
8. Gillett Evernham Motorsports
9. Michael Waltrip Racing
10. Team Red Bull
11. Bill Davis Racing
12. Petty Enterprises
13. Haas CNC
14. Yates Racing
I just couldn't pick between Roush and Childress. Too close to call.
What's your list?
Until next time, keep hittin' your marks!
Comments
I said a few years back that when Coach Gibbs went back to football the team would not be the same. His attention would be with the Redskins. I still feel I was right. This year it seems he is around the track more and his team is doing better. Are they the best team? I don't think so. Hendrick is more consistant week in and week out. They have good drivers not doubt. I will take an experienced driver in a "so-so" car any day over a "lesser" driver in a good car. At 200mph I want an experienced driver in the mix.
In your list of the teams I think you have it pretty well correct. Ganassi team could be better if they would spend the money. Chip has to decide whether he is going to remain in IRL or NASCAR..I don't think he can do both for very much longer. Over the years he has had good drivers but didn't give them anything to work with. Just my thought on that team.
Richmond should be fun this week!
Posted by JimBeam on April 29, 2008 at 7:32 AM
1. sum'b**** 2,510
2. The Madness 2,345
3. Goozer Racing 2,285
4. Upper Lipper Dippers 2,249
5. Release The Hounds 2,201
6. The **** 2,133
7. NASCAR is rigged 2,077
Posted by hehndogg on April 29, 2008 at 2:34 PM
