rpm.espn.com: Fans predict top-10 finish for Ward

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Tuesday, December 18
Fans predict top-10 finish for Ward
ESPN.com

We asked RPM.ESPN.com users to share their thoughts about whether Ward Burton could contend for a Winston Cup top-10 finish in 2002. Here are some of the responses:

Undoubtedly, Ward will finish in the top-10, if BDR gives him what he deserves and doesn't waste all of it's effort in trying to make the new '23' team competitive. Let's face it, of the successful multicar teams, each of them has a No. 1 driver (with the exception of Gibbs Racing). I don't think Ward has been given that status at BDR.

Mark Wilt
Kingwood, W.V.

Not only a top-10, but Ward has the talent to finish in the top-5 as well! I honestly believe that Ward is easily one of the top 5 talented drivers in NASCAR.

Mark Pipkin
Southfield, Mich.

Ward is one of the most likeable drivers on the cup circuit. I love his interviews. The worst thing about Ward is the "rotten luck" he has. He can drive better than most, talk like no other and I predict will be in the top-5 this year, just ahead of his younger brother. Happy hunting, Ward. Your chance to "bugle" is coming.

Hop Smith
Lawrenceville, Ga.

If it were not for bad luck, Ward would have had no luck at all in 2001. If Ward can continue to improve their Dodge program and stay out of other's mishaps a top-5 team just might emerge.

Keith Etherington
Marysville, Ohio

Ward has the possible potential to contend with any of the top drivers. Given the right car set-up and crew he can, and will be in the hunt each and every weekend. Go get'em Ward!

Lori LaPradd
Drakes Branch, Va.

Ward should be in the top-10 in points next year. He has the experience, and the fans seem to like him. Needs to win more next year. Needs to shake off the pit road incident from late in the season. I think he got the hang of that Dodge last year.

Calvin Rowland
Lisle, Ill.

I think with Ward learning how the Dodge has run over last year he will be in the top-10. I'm going to say he will place 7th for 2002.

Richard A. Fox
Pequot Lakes

Yes, Ward Burton will contend for a top-10. Though I would like to see him in the top five I feel he will probably finish sixth overall.

Dustin Flavell
Browns Valley, Calif.

My family thinks more men should act like men like Ward Burton. That is coming from a my wife and three girls!

Jim Pauley
Auburn, Ill.

Ward will contend for a top 10 spot next season. Ward and crew chief Tommy Baldwin worked hard this season to get the CAT Dodge dialed in. You can look for Ward to have his best season next year in the CAT Dodge now that they have a handle on the Dodge.

Sharon Martin
Salem, Va.

Ward is always up for the challenge and would have been in the top ten this year had it not been for one driver who caused trouble for several drivers. Next year Ward will rock!

Sherry Durbin
Louisville, Ky.

I predict that Ward will finish about 7th in points next year and win about 3 races. The team has got a better handle on the car and the real challenge was the harder tire but they also have a handle on that now.

Bob Hutchinson
Albert Lea, Minn.

Ward went through a lot this season with changing to the Dodge. He is one of the cleanest drivers out there, and when he is hot, he's hot. All he needs to do is keep his cool when he is in the lead. He tends to get nervous and do stupid things sometimes. He is a very sensitive driver, it showed when they had the accident on pit road. I feel Ward is definitely capable of a top ten finish.

Louise Rosato
Newport, N.H.

You bet. He's tough--a bit unpredictable at times--but he's hellbent to get to the front. Besides, he's got brother Jeff to try and beat at each race.

Tricia Trew
Glendale, Ariz.

Ward can and will if Goodyear and NASCAR don't change the playing field all the time. Ward was fast all year long just some bad luck cost him some great finishes. Off season testing should help fix some of problems they had with setups.

Don Steele
Celina, Ohio

Ward Burton and the No. 22 Dodge can definitely finish in the top ten in 2002. The CAT team now has a full season of experience with the new Intrepid, under their belts. If they can run the car the way the did in the last 10 races (with the exception of Loudon), I look for Burton to finish in the top 5.

Steve Torrens
Medford, N.Y.

I had not been a NASCAR fan for several years, then Dodge started racing cars again and I came back to the sport. I really think Ward Burton is a very talented driver. If he can keep from getting ran over on the track, and get the car right I believe he could be top 5. I knew the first year of racing the Dodges was going to involve a lot of trial and error to set up for this season. GO WARD!!!!!!

Joyce Bell
Arkansas

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