rpm.espn.com: Hamilton should be all right in 2002

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Friday, December 28
Hamilton should be all right in 2002
ESPN.com

We asked RPM.ESPN.com users how Bobby Hamilton would do in 2002 without crew chief Jimmy Elledge. Here are some of the responses:

The departure of Jimmy Elledge from Bobby Hamilton's team will definitely hurt the organization, as Elledge is one of the top young crew chiefs in the sport. However, I do not foresee it changing much of the fortunes of the 55 car next season. Hamilton has always been a steady, but not spectacular driver. He has worked with crew chiefs like Robbie Loomis and Tony Glover, but never had the success with them like Jeff Gordon is having with Loomis or Marlin has with Glover. It all comes down to communication, and what the crew chief can get out of the driver to put into the car. If the new crew chief communicates well, I think we could certainly see Bobby back in victory lane in 2002 and possibly challenging for a position on stage at the banquet.

Matt Demey
Harrisburg, Pa.

With one one year at APR under his belt and sponsorship woes behind him, Hamilton and the No. 55 car should prove to be a top-15 car in 2002. I think we'll see the No. 55 Chevy in Victory Lane more than once in 2002, with Martinsville, Talladega and Richmond being the most likely tracks for landing a victory. If APR can get a better package together for the 1.5 mile "cookie-cutter" tracks in 2001, look for Hamilton and Pressley to possibly climb into the top 10 (with a little help from Lady Luck).

Calvin Milbury
Fredericton, New Brunswick

I am a huge Bobby Hamilton fan, so obviously very biased opinion. I've always rooted for the underdog, and Bobby is one of the quietest success stories in cup. I'll go with cracking the top ten, but 15th is probably more realistic.

Ken Ballone
Indianapolis, Ind.

Bobby had his best season last year and so did the car. Hopefully the improvement will continue.

Edward Kerans
Plymouth, Mass.

I am one of the few devoted Bobby Hamilton fans and I know what he is capable of. I definitely feel that he will be a top 10 or 15 contender this season, with possible wins at Martinsville (where he was the strongest car this year in the fall race), Phoenix (he is always tough on flat tracks), and of course Daytona or Talladega. He is a top performer on the big tri-ovals because he stays out of the big wrecks and makes his charge to the front toward the end.

Jeff Pfister
Royersford, Pa.

Losing the crew chief is generally devastating, however Hamilton's style of driving will keep him in the top 15. I wish him luck. He has never had the aggressiveness of Gordon, Harvick et al, but has been a solid middle of the road performer and will remain so.

Arthur lumino
Las Vegas

Even though Jimmy E. was promising and they started to jell I don't think the overall communication was as good as it could have been. Bobby and Charley P. had a good, albeit short stint together at MM racing. I think the future is very bright for the No. 55 team.

Mark Lengel
Bonn, Germany

With Jimmy leaving it's going to upset the apple cart a little, but with Bobby being the driver he is and with good sponsor's relations they are just going to have to kick it up another notch! A lot of good drivers have come and gone without the best crew chief, but remember many of our best have all been somebody's understudy and before their fame was never stopped from trying their hardest to make their teams the best possible. Bobby Hamilton's destiny may look gloomy now, but remember a lot of people thought Jeff Gordon might-not ever see another championship. Sponsors play the part along with owners They got the car, a good team and a good driver. If it's time to promote another qualified person to the rank of crew chief, Bobby Hamilton may just be the man to make him shine. I'm sure 2002 will be fun and rewarding for all.

Rich Deeney
Janesville Wis.

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