rpm.espn.com: Kenseth needs more from Roush

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Tuesday, January 8
Kenseth needs more from Roush
ESPN.com

We asked our users whether Matt Kenseth would be more aggressive in 2002 and improve on his finish in the standings. Here are some of the comments:

Kenseth is an odd duck. He has clearly shown his talent in late models and Busch, but it seems like Roush ain't what it used to be in Winston Cup. We know the team of Robbie Rieser and Kenseth can win. Maybe they should both bolt, because I can't imagine Kenseth getting more aggressive on the track, it's not his style. Kenseth is a smooth driver (not like Dale Jr., who hits everyone in site if his car isn't handling properly) and will be champ someday.

Todd Michaels
Sanford, Fla.

Kenseth can improve his standings in 2002 if he allows himself to be more aggressive on and off the track. Rumors say the kid is a really nice guy, but fails to show leadership inside the garage. If only he could be more consistent in qualifying and in finishing the races will this team shine. I'm not a Kenseth fan, but he is extremely talented behind the wheel. This kid has the potential to be in the top 5. I won't go that far and say he will do that in 2002, but definitely has the talent, experience and a good team to push him into the top-10 in 2002.

Nathan Messenger
St. Petersburg, Fla.

Matt was not in the struggle alone in 2001. The entire Roush organization had a down season. Matt has excellent potential, and if he as well as the entire Roush teams have overcome all the difficulties from 2001, he certainly can improve. Matt tends to follow much in the same footsteps as Mark Martin, so to say will he be more aggressive is a bit overstated. Matt nor Mark tend to be aggressive drivers. They rely more on their gentleman-like tactics than bumping and banging their way through the field. My hopes would be to see both drivers spunk it up and aahh the crowd with a hidden side of aggression. Matt is a super driver and his outlook for 2002 will improve because the only way to go is up!

Tamara Lightner
Moundsviulle, W.V.

Matt Kenseth suffered the same problems that the whole Roush stable had, yet drove impressively, and at championship pace in the Busch series. If Roush gives the resources that are expected of an owner of championship level teams, neither confidence or aggressiveness will be a problem for Kenseth in the coming years. He is a driver who will make his mark in Winston Cup racing.

Tim Young
Columbus, Ohio

I believe Matt Kenseth will greatly improve this year. With the new engine rules that start this year I expect a lot of teams that change their engines three times (qualifying, practice and the race) will be hurt by it. Roush Racing does not do this, so I think the whole team will improve this season and all will be in the top-10. As for being aggressive on the track, he doesn't need to be. He does have to improve the qualifying though, and I think he will become more aggressive at that.

April Jungwirth
Oshkosh, Wisc.

Matt and his team are a class act! Their "come from behind" performances and winning the Pit Crew Challenge show they've got what it takes. I believe the highest placing Roush team (Burton, 10th) shows it's the Roush program that's lacking, not the individual teams. If Roush steps up, then the teams will step up!

Mike Sersig
Davenport, Iowa

Top 10 in 2002. It is interesting to watch him pass over and over without being so aggressive. I think he was showing what he can do at the end of 2001. Now if he can work out qualifying techniques.

Delorma Morton
Swanzey, N.H.

I believe Kenseth is a potential winning driver. However, I cannot see him enjoying success with the Roush team. The perception is that Martin and Burton are the favored drivers at this team. Burton, given a little luck and some fine tuning on his team, will win often. Martin is a driver who is just that -- a driver, not a racer. His time in the sun has gone by and he should have the class to step down and let youth take over. The focus of this team should be Burton and Kenseth and until this happens I do not foresee great strides for Kenseth.

Walt Rosenberg
N. Cape Way, N.J.

I don't think Matt needs to be aggressive to the extent of Dale Jr. or Kevin Harvick. Matt has the style and finesse of someone like Bobby Labonte. Watch for the new engine rule to greatly improve qualifying, and look for this team to emerge as a legitimate championship contender with a solid top-5 in points.

Craig Revelle
Gananoque, Ontario

Chances are Kenseth will not improve greatly in 2002. Improved competition and the Roush teams' inability to keep up with it will leave him only in the top-15 or so. Matt seems to be an aggressive good driver, but I think the team will let him down!

Arthur Lumino
Las Vegas

Call me crazy, but I think Rusty Wallace and Matt Kenseth will be butting heads this year as both make a title run. Call it a hunch.

Caleb Clark
Magee, Miss.

Matt has the talent to win more. Roush needs to come up with better and longer-lasting motors!

Chuck Herrick
N. Haverhill, N.H.

I agree that being a better qualifier would help his cause in 2002. Contrary to popular opinion with NASCAR fans these days, I don't think you have to be an aggressive idiot like Harvick to be successful. I sure wouldn't call Mark Martin or Jeff Burton "aggressive," and I think they are two of the best. A talented racer doesn't need to ram people to get around them.

Alan Ahrens
Oshkosh, Wisc.

I like Matt, but I agree with what was said here. I think maybe he should let the Busch Series go and concentrate on the Cup Series. I don't think he'll be a serious points contender until he is the top dog on a multi-car team and is driving a Chevrolet.

Steve Strickland
West Richland, Wash.

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