rpm.espn.com: Future looks bright for Sadler

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Thursday, February 7
Future looks bright for Sadler
ESPN.com

We asked our users if Elliott Sadler could continue his progress and challenge for a top-15 finish this season. Here are some of the comments:

He's with a great team and has a tremendous sponsor in Ford Motor Company's Motorcraft brand. The best thing about Elliott's future is Elliott. He's one of the nicest guys on the circuit. A top ten finish with a couple of wins wouldn't surprise me. Sadler and the Woods deserve it. It better happen soon though, because Jon Wood is lurking in the background. Maybe a future two-car team? Who knows.

Joe Ryan
Mahwah, N.J.

Because Sadler wants to be on top, he is willing to listen and learn. I used to watch Elliot and Hermie at South Boston, and both of them could be good. But, it takes time and that is something that NASCAR doesn't seem to give new drivers any more. So, if they give Elliot the time he needs I think he can make it. If Elliot has a car that will hold up, and can get some respect as a driver, he sould be able to match, or even do better than last season.

Timmy Robertson
Crewe, Va.

I think the Wood Brothers' Ford is heading straight up the ladder. Elliott Sadler has a whole lot of talent and he seems to develop more and more as the races go by. And I think he has figured out Daytona, so let's get started off right this season! Best of luck to Elliott and the Wood Brothers in 2002.

Jim Russo
Louisville, Ky.

I think the one engine rule will help Elliott this year in qualifying and the race. I think he needs to continue to drive clean but also be more aggressive towards the end of the race. With that, there will be more top-10's and he'll make the final 15.

Sonny Kidd
Richmond, Va.

I think we're going to be hearing from and getting to see more of Elliott Sadler at the front of the pack and winning races. The surface has only been scratched in the potential of this talented young driver. It takes time for a team to gel. If he does better in his qualifying efforts this season, I think it will all come together for the Wood Brothers' team.

B.J. Gadola
Poconos, Pa.

I think that Elliott will be lucky to finish in the top-25. The competition this year is going to be tough because everybody has a good ride these days. Almost half of the field can win on any given Sunday. We saw that last year with 19 different winners. Also, Elliott needs to be more consistent to be in the top-15

Constantine Kanellis
New York City

Elliott most definitely has the skills to compete with Gordon, Steward, Jr. and others. But, do the Wood Brothers have the tools to give Elliott a fighting chance? Single car teams are at such a huge disadvantage these days, and I don't see the Wood Brothers/Roush Racing affiliation paying any dividends either.

Philip Rose
Charlotte, N.C.

I think without a doubt Elliott can finish in the top-15 in points. If you look at his 2001 performance for most of the season he was right around the top-15 in points and then near the end of the season he had some bad luck. So if he can stay out of trouble the second half of the year I think it will be no problem for him. Elliott is a very talented driver, he has a great crew and the Wood Brothers have been around for so long and have earned so much respect in NASCAR. With all these combinations I really feel that Elliott can pull it off and have a incredible season.

Trisha Hopseker
Plattsburgh, N.Y.

While his driving experience continues to grow, his team must continue to improve. Alas I feel this is not going to happen. He needs a better ride.

Jack Spake
Morganton, N.C.

I believe Sadler is totally capable of a top-15 finish in the points as long as he doesn't make mistakes at his better tracks. Texas seems to be the track that Sadler always runs best at, but he has only finished well there once, due to wrecks towards the end of the race. If he can come up with top-10's at Texas, Bristol, Michigan, Daytona and Darlington, at Top-15 will be in store for sure.

Joe O'Neill
South Brunswick, N.J.

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