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Drivers to Watch
Friday, February 16, 2001: Page D9
No. 20 Pontiac Teammate Bobby Labonte may be the defending Winston Cup champion, but Stewart, who paced the series with six victories last season, is more likely to make sparks fly in 2001. He got off to a strong start on Sunday, outdueling Dale Earnhardt to win the Bud Shootout at Daytona.
No. 99 Ford The South Boston, Va., native won four races last season and finished a career-high third in the point standings, within a whisper of Earnhardt's bumper. Conservative or bold as the occasion warrants, Burton appears poised to deliver what would be car owner Jack Roush's first Winston Cup title.
No. 3 Chevrolet Approachinig his 50th birthday (April 29), Earnhardt shows no sign of slowing as chases what would be a record eighth Winston Cup championship. Last year's second-place points finish was as close as he's come to a title since 1995, and the chemistry seems to be clicking with crew chief Kevin Hamlin.
No. 24 Chevrolet NASCAR's three-time series champion (1995, '97 and '98) has hit on some hard times since crew chief Ray Evernham left to spearhead Dodge's return to racing. After a subpar 2000 (in which he finished ninth in the standings), Gordon, the driver so many fans love to hate, tries to get back on track.
No. 19 Dodge If Evernham's eye for talent is as good as billed, Atwood, 20, is Dodge's driver of the future. He has started just three Winston Cup races, but Dodge is banking that the native of Antioch, Tenn., right, will blossom into the next Gordon under the tutelage of Evernham and teammate Bill Elliott, left.
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Auto Racing
