2013 · Joe Gibbs Racing NSCS · Matt Kenseth
2013 Sprint Cup Series Season Preview – #20 Matt Kenseth
The NASCAR season is back upon us and it is time to get you caught up with everything that happened in the offseason. Start ‘N’ Park Blog will be going through their list of drivers running the full schedule in 2013 and telling you what you can expect from those drivers in the new year. Today’s entry is the driver of the #20 Husky Tools/Dollar General Toyota, Matt Kenseth.
Driver: Matt Kenseth
#20
Sponsor(s): Husky Tools/Dollar General
Make: Toyota
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Crew Chief: Jason Ratcliff
2012 Finish: 7th
What’s new for 2013: Joey Logano out, Matt Kenseth in for the #20 Toyota. Also, instead of Home Depot on the car they are putting their tool line, Husky, on the car instead.
Mike’s Rank: 6th
Mike’s Take: There’s going to be an acclimation period for Matt Kenseth and Jason Ratcliff, but I don’t expect it to take too long. Kenseth is a pro and past champion, so he knows what it takes to win. They’ll do good, just not anything better than 6th. Like Kahne in 2012, watch out for year number two with this group.
Jason’s Rank: 6th
Jason’s Take: A new ride for Kenseth in 2013 will lead to success. Toyota is on top of their game with the Gen 6 car and Kenseth showed strength in testing which will led to success on the track. Kenseth will win three or four races and stay in the top ten in points all season long being very consistent. Kenseth won’t be able to pull together his new crew for the Chase but he will do well in his first season at JGR.
Brandon’s Rank: 6th
Brandon’s Take: Matt Kenseth moves from Roush-Fenway Racing to Joe Gibbs Racing. If SpeedWeeks was any indication, Matt Kenseth could be a darkhorse in terms of speed and overall competitiveness. JGR might be MK’s biggest opportunity for a second Sprint Cup title.
Brittany’s Rank: 16th
Brittany’s Take: He’ll be the Kasey Kahne of Joe Gibbs Racing, being third in line.
I think people in general are putting to much preasure on Matt right from the start. They think just because he is the oldest of the three drivers and a past champion he will whip things into shape. That is wrong, while Matt is good and i love his layed back attitude its going to take time for the team to regroup from last year. I know they can do it and Matt will do well it just may take longer then people are talking about. Matt will run good and make the chase as will the other two JGR drivers. Will be great to see all 3 in the chase.
I agee with Jason 6 or 7