rpm.espn.com: Users: Rusty's still got it

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Saturday, February 16

Users: Rusty's still got it
ESPN.com

We asked our users whether Rusty Wallace would notch another solid top-10 season or if he will finally begin to slide down the standings. Here are some of the comments:

I believe that if NASCAR helps the Ford teams even the field with equipment changes that the Ford team drivers will out-perform the Dodge and Chevys overall. I feel if you put Rusty against the other drivers week in and week out with competitive equipment he will consistently rank in the top five. I still believe he will notch another Winston Cup championship in the next three years.

Bruce A. Nelson
Newport Beach, Calif.

I think Rusty and the No. 2 crew will remain a top-10 team. With any luck, he should be top-5 and pushing for the No. 1 spot. You have to admit he has been "snake bit" the past couple of years. With several victories in-hand, the No. 2 Taurus would inevitably find a way to let it get away, whether due to a poor pit stop or a mishap on the track. Gotta start closing the deal every time! No doubt the burning desire is still there, and I firmly believe Rusty has another Winston Cup title in him.

David Cleveland
Sylacauga, Ala.

He will probably be in the top-10 to 15 this year. Never count out a guy who can bang his way to the lead. He will spin more cars to gain position than anyone else this year. He's desperate to finish well and will do what it takes, including taking out legitimate contenders for the title. Look out leaders, Rusty is behind you!

Roy Thweatt
Las Vegas

Rusty always seems to have a positive and can-do attitude. He's a team player and a hands-on type driver, so yes, I think he will be just as consistent as last year.

Bill Burnham
Cloverdale, Ind.

I'm a complete Rusty fan, however I don't think he will ever seriously contend for the championship. I do expect a top-10 finish in points. I used to love the way he dominated the short tracks. I think we will all have to sit back and watch Jeff Gordon break every record there is. That will be a painful reality for me.

Mike Tortorici
Oakville, Conn.

Rusty is going to win the championship this year.

Jim Nelson
San Antonio

Wallace's short track experience and his commitment to the sport will put him in the top-five in 2002, however I do hope his past brushes with Ricky Rudd are forgiven and forgotten by both teams, as it does neither team any good to pressure each other in that manner. It's not good for Ford, either.

Peter Hanchett
Cohasset, Calif.

It all started going downhill when No. 2 car changed colors. Please Mr. Wallace and Mr. Penske, ask Miller Brewing to put you back into your old Miller Genuine Draft paint scheme. Even if the beer sucks, the car was the sharpest on the track.

Mike Leary
Jacksonville, N.C.

It's going to be another top-10 season for Rusty, there is no doubt in my mind. The question is can he still win a championship, I belive it's still possible. Rusty might not be as young as he once was, so in the highly competitive world of NASCAR this makes that mission that much tougher as he ages. He's still one of the most talented drivers on the circuit, so all I can do is root him on and wish him luck!

Courtney L. Travis
Glen Wild, N.Y.

Rusty should be in the hunt again this season due mainly to his uncanny ability to be in position to win most races. If he can eliminate those pesky gremlins, he has the talent and ability to win. He can't do much about the crashes especially if he continues to drive to win. Another good season to come for a great driver and crew.

Douglas Lott
Layton, Utah

Who cares?! Has-been! The cry-baby hasn't done anything remotely close to anything good since 1989, and that was even a fluke. How can Roger Penske sleep at night knowing his top driver, who he's spending millions of dollars on, can't go a day without taking a half a bottle of Geritol and washing it down with a big-'ol glass of Metamucil? Hey, aren't Roger and Rusty the same age? Wwwwaaaaahhhh ... I drive a Ford and it's too slow ... (sniff, sniff). Try using the right foot, not the left -- "right foot: go, left foot: stop." Put Dave Marcis in that car, he deserves it more, plus he could probably win a championship with it the same year!

Rodney Rescott
Averill Park, N.Y.

Rusty has been my favorite driver for almost 15 years. He has always got a bad rap for being outspoken. I still believe he is one of the top drivers in NASCAR. If not for a lot of bad luck he could have three Daytona 500s and four Winston Cups.

Jay Ladlee
Purcell, Okla.

Rusty will do fine. I think last year was hard on a lot of drivers close to Earnhardt. Rusty will be back racing for poles and contending for wins. If he wants to contend for championships, though, he has to go back to GM.

Tom Morong
Omaha, Neb.

I agree, he is the most consistent driver on the circuit. If not for the bad breaks he had a chance at the title last year. I look for him to end up in the top-five in points this year and possibly contend for the Cup. I also think the addition of Ryan Newman to the Penske team will help Rusty. Ryan is an eager driver ready for the big time, and I think is the well-needed ingredient for Penske and Rusty to bring the Cup home.

Rafael Andino
Effort, Pa.

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