rpm.espn.com: Users: 'Mainiacs' love their native son

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Friday, December 21
Users: 'Mainiacs' love their native son
ESPN.com

We asked our users whether Ricky Craven could find his way to Victory Lane and a top-10 overall finish in 2002. Our readers shared their thoughts--especially our friends up in our most northeast state!

As a Maine native who has watched Ricky from his first race at Unity Raceway I believe that he will only get better in 2002. Most of his bad finishes came as the result of mechanical failure of one sort or another and if this can be remedied he might surprise everyone. The talent is there and finally someone has given it a chance to shine.

Anita Gerard
Vassalboro, Me.

I think Ricky deserves the best in Winston Cup. He is the most unselfish personality in NASCAR. My dad used to be a crew chief on a Late Model (ACT) American-Canadian-Tour Car out of Vermont and used to race against him. I used to watch Ricky in the pits at Thunder Road in Barre, Vermont were he was always up front in the race but never ignored anybody after that wanted to talk to him or wish him well. I think with the support of Cal Wells and Tide, he will most certainly finish in the top 10 in points next year and probably win 2,3, maybe even 4 wins. Good Luck, Ricky.

Matt Baker
Burlington, Vt.

If Craven gets a tad more aggressive, look for him in the top-10 next year. The team's confidence came on strong at the end of the season to help. A charismatic driver that the fans, and I, would like to see win more often.

Calvin Rowland
Lisle, Ill.

I think Ricky had a great year, and will continue his success throughout the coming years. He is a great driver and a great person and a good role model for the up coming generations. Top-10 next year for our Ricky and the Tide Team!

Sue Scott
Sebec, Me.

A great first season with the No. 32 team. I was fortunate enough to be at Martinsville for the first win. I see Ricky finishing around the top 15 next season with a couple wins. Mechanical problems cost the No. 32 team several good finishes last season. If those go away, a shot at a top 10 points finish is possible.

Chris Morris
Stoneville, N.C.

Outstanding article. Given the extensive head injuries Craven suffered, it is truly remarkable he was able to comeback this year in the manner he did. There is a lot of talk going around about Craven being nominated for the ESPN ESPY "Comeback Athlete of the Year" award. Although Garrison Hearst of the 49ers will likely win it, Craven at a minimum is worthy of a nomination.

Brent Hill
Morristown, N.J.

Ricky finally showed the NASCAR world what his fans have known for years, Ricky is a winner. His great personality and attitude shine through the tough times and the good times. Putting it together in the second half of this year, his team will shine in 2002, a top 10 finish is definitely in their reach.

Mike Kettell
Bucksport, Me.

The last lap of the Martinsville race, with Ricky holding off one of the best in the business (Dale Jarrett), was without a doubt the most exhilarating lap of the entire 2001 Winston Cup season. As for next year, this team can only get better if they can exorcise the mechanical demons (battery failures, transmission breakdowns) that plagued this team in 2001.

Mark Rapacioli
Hyde Park, N.Y.

Good first year effort for this team. Would have loved to see them finish in the top-20 and really thought they would as they were coming on strong in second half of season. Transmission and battery problems caused them to have much poorer finishes in four or five races, most notably Atlanta where they were certainly a threat to win. I think with a little better reliability and having one full season under their belts (and in the notebook) that this team could really start to shine next year.

Doug Laughlin
Portland, Ore.

Ricky Craven is the real deal! To overcome the adversity he has faced in his Cup career is what winners are made of. It wouldn't suprise me one bit to see the Tide Ride in the winners circle again in 2002 and finish in the top 15.

David Michael Ferguson
Bolsa Knolls, Calif.

Ricky Craven is one of the more exciting drivers to watch for. You never expect him to, but he is always there on someone's bumper. I see Ricky Craven finishing within the top 15 next year, maybe even 12th or 13th. He is starting to find his way into my heart, and I'm sure a lot others.

Shaun Hill
Bitely, Mich.

We in Maine, of course, have our fingers crossed for Ricky. I hope that he can finish in the top 10 or 15, and then maybe better in years to come. I just hope his sponsers are patient. We 'Mainiacs' are noted for being slow starters but strong finishers.

Randy Clark
Dresden, Me.

A lot of his bad finishes of 35th or worse were because mechanical problems. He didn't tear up much equipment--not excuses just stuff that happens to new teams. As for next year, maybe 2 or 3 wins and top ten in points. Just my opinion--you know the old saying--everybody has one.

Glen Kennedy
Winterport, Me.

Pretty much a break-out year for Ricky. I like the guy and I think it's about time one of the good guys in racing catches a break. Your article mentions stats regarding his many low finishes, but doesn't state that he was wrecked and it wasn't his doing in a large number of those races. I'd really like to see him do well in '02.

Mike Robinson
Rio Rancho, N.M.

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