rpm.espn.com: Elliott still Awesome

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Wednesday, December 26
Elliott still Awesome
ESPN.com

We asked what you though of Bill Elliott's prospects for 2002 and whether Jeremy Mayfield would help the cause. Here are some of the comments we received:

I think Bill will have a great season in 2002. He was a very strong qualifier in 2001 and getting his win at Miami Homestead had to be a real confidence booster for not only him but Ray Evernham too. I have been a Bill Elliott fan for almost 20 years and I would love to see him have a fantastic year as he closes out his illustrious career!

Karen Dougher
Liverpool, N.Y.

Elliott definitely still has what it takes to win races. His record this year shows that when he has a good car he usually ends up at the front of the pack. I believe Mayfield has a lot to bring to the table for the team. Being a veteran, he adds to an already well put together team that can win some races for the Dodge boys in 2002.

Eric Bramlett
Auburn, Ga.

Bill and Jeremy should be very competitive at the Superspeedways but I don't think the Dodges are ready to scare anyone on the short tracks. Watch for them to hook up early and often, starting with Daytona. Along with Sterling Marlin, I think Dodge will surprise a few more race fans this year.

Dennis Gyursco
Robbinsville, N.J.

I have always believed Bill still could get the job done. This is the first time since he left Junior Johnson that he has had the right equipment and leadership to be able to be a regular contender.

Brent Frady
Rutherfordton, N.C.

I've been watching Bill for a long time, but I don't think he's got it in him to be competitive anymore. Time to join the boys at the pool hall. Sorry, Bill.

Jack Freeman
Troy, Ala.

All "Awesome Bill" has needed is good equipment. He proved at Homestead he still has what it takes to win. We should expect more wins, and another Winston Cup is not out of the question. Both Harry Gant and Dale Earnhardt contended for the Cup when they were older than Bill is.

Tim Burleson
Lexington, S.C.

Elliott just proved that he can still win in Winston Cup. However, the addition of Mayfield to this team cannot be an asset. To me a wiser choice would have been one of the Wallace brothers, either Mike or Kenny would have added experience and their humble attitude would have fit perfectly with Bill. It seems that Ray would rather teach than build a winning team. Good Luck to the team, they will need it.

Joe Labani
Bryan, Texas

Bill still has what it takes to get the job done. Providing Bill gets the same dedication from his owner as for certain Mayfield will get; count on Bill to reel off two to three wins in 2002 and be back on stage in December. Nice guys do sometimes finish first!

Rocky Phillips
Sugar Hill, Ga.

One word: No.

Mark Odor
Marshalltown, Iowa

I think the fire has always been in Bill and after I saw him make up two green flag laps at Talladega in 1988 and now with Big Bucks Sponsor in Dodge, I'll still pull for him even if not in a Ford. He will win THREE races in 2002 and fifth in points.

Bill Applegate
Peebles, Ohio

I have been an Elliott fan since he dominated in the mid-eighties. I always felt that the end of the dominance was when NASCAR mandated the restrictor plates at Daytona and Talladega. I believe that Elliott still has the ability to finish in the top ten in points although he probably will never challenge for the Winston Cup Championship. I look for two or three wins in 2002 and a top-10 finish in points. I'm not sure that Jeremy Mayfield will really benefit Elliott's effort although he will definitely help Evernham Motorsports as a whole.

Dan Gearhart
Indianapolis

I have NO doubt that Bill has what it takes to finish in the top 10. As you said a lot of Bill's misfortunes were no fault of his own. He had a great car many times and something would happen to the engine or he'd be involved in a caution. Keep watching this coming season. You will have your answer. I will never doubt Bill Elliott! Now, as far as Jeremy Mayfield is concerned, I do not trust him. Bill is a much better person than Jeremy. Maybe Jeremy will become a better person being a teammate of Bill's. I just want Ray Evernham to realize that Bill was there first and not put all his attention to Jeremy's team.

Susan Wing
Georgetown, Del.

I think Elliott will win races and possibly challenge for the championship with or without Mayfield as a teammate. Last year he proved with the right team communication and with them giving him the feel of the car he wants he can still be "awesome." Go get 'em, Bill!

Rick Kirsch
Twin Falls, Idaho

No, Bill Elliott has simply proven unless he has the superior car, he is not competitive.You can no longer lay back in the pack and wait for the last 20 laps. There are a lot of young lions with chips on there shoulders waiting to prove themselves. NASCAR has evolved to a new generation of drivers and you can't beat youth.

Tony Hager
Pittsburgh

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