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Monday, January 13 Updated: January 20, 4:52 PM ET  Comments on Winston Cup drivers ESPN.com We spotlighted Winston Cup drivers Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Sterling Marlin, Mark Martin and Jeremy Mayfield. Here are your thoughts on their '02 campaigns and prospects for next season:
Bobby Labonte
Chad Williamson Marion, Ind.
You can bet your bottom dollar Bobby will be a contender again this year for the Winston Cup Championship. With Fatback on the wrench, Bobby at the wheel, and Makar at the helm, you can count on a top-five finish in the standings this year. Don't be surprised if Bobby takes another championship this year, I mean after all you have to admit, the boy can drive. Dean Grouchy Toronto, Ontario
Although coming off a disappointing season, Bobby is the type of driver to keep his cool and rebound back into championship contention. I look forward to seeing the Gibbs cars running up front quite often. Todd Barrowman Champaign, Ill.
I hope that this year will be better for Bobby Labonte. He is my favorite racer and I know that he will come back and be a force to deal with once again. It was a smart move on Gibbs part to move them to Chevy. I did like the Pontiacs but felt that they were never given a fair chance like the other makes. Bobby may not win the championship this year, but he will return to the top 10. Watch and see. Shannon Hudgins Gloucester, Va.
They'd have been even faster in the new Pontiac. The personnel were the problem, not the make. How many more great Pontiac teams will GM allow to be robbed by money and Chevy? Jay Westfall Katy, Texas
Terry Labonte
James Lennox Brockville, Ontario
I think terry is going to have a big turnaround this year with the new cars and setups. He has a strong will and desire for a third championship which will pull him through to a winning season. Martha Ladwig Monroe, Wisc.
I honestly feel that Terry can recapture the magic that it takes to win NASCAR Winston Cup races. Hopefully, with the 2003 Monte Carlo, which is said to be a throwback to the older body style where the driver was better able to "read" the car and if Goodyear does bring in a softer tire compound, Terry should be able to get right back in the hunt. I don't for a minute think that Terry has forgotten how to drive a car to Victory Lane. I just think that the cars and tires have changed so much that it's hampered his style of interpreting what the car needs. I guess only time will tell. Carol Lee Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Terry has had a lot of change within the team. If all of them stayed this year, this will be the first year that they can really jell.Terry had a lot of bad luck in 2002 that people seem to forget about. In 2003 Terry will show what he is made of and will once again be at the top. Terry will be the only driver to win three championships in three different decades. Brad Rathje Glencoe, Ala.
I think if NASCAR gets back to the softer tires like they say they will, you'll see a different Terry Labonte then you have in the past few years. This will allow the driver to have more of an outcome on the races, particularly by tire management, which some of the younger drivers never had to deal with yet. And hopefully this will get rid of the dreaded aero push. Nick Duling Ottawa, Ontario
Sterling Marlin
Ed Escher Kimberly, Idaho
Sterling is old school, he grew up in a racing garage that was no stranger to hardship. He will shake off 2002's bad luck and come back strong. Daytona three- time winner? You bet! Tom Roue Berkeley Springs W.V.
Sterling is going to take over the track in 2003. He's ready to rock. He deserves the championship more then anyone on the track. Jess Carpenter Roseville, Mich.
I love race cars on TV, sound bites of B.P.(Benny Parsons), drinking with my friends and Twins -- the twin tunnels at Daytona that is! Marlin is the man to beat this year. Dodge has been getting better every year since they came back to NASCAR -- remember last year's Daytona 500 AND Brickyard? Ganassi knows championships and has the sponsors and the money to add a Cup trophy to his collection. McMurray winning last year proves that the team is just as important as the driver is in the title hunt. Marlin has a bitter beer taste in his mouth from last season and has some unfinished business. Here's to Sterling! Mike Evranian St. Louis
Sterlin' may "pick up where he left off," but there are even more Dodge teams this year and he has better teammates this year, too, so it will be interesting, and if he does as well again it will be especially impressive. A good guy. Kent Christensen Albuquerque, N.M.
Sterling will be back contending for the top spot. He has the drive the desire and the knowledge to win and win big. His fiery crash at Bristol a few years ago did not slow him nor will the events of 2002. Claude Bates Franklin, Tenn.
Mark Martin
Gene Parker Knoxville, Tenn.
Martin takes on age rather well. Instead of declining, it seems that his competitive spirit just seems to intensify with each passing year. Martin has the talent, the equipment and the leadership to win it all now. Look for big things for him in 2003. M.B. Godbey Richmond, Ky.
Two histories to consider. Mark traditionally after finishing second has not done so well the next year he has finished lower in the standings. But, the guy who finishes second usually has a run at the title the next year. Early Thunder results are encouraging and if he is "Mr. Consistent" then he has a good a shot as anyone. Time is running out and the sense of urgency will help. Patrick Johnson Baltimore, Md.
Mark has the tenacity of a pit bull and with what the team now knows, look for him to be a top contender in the '03 Winston Cup championship. Mr. Consistency will be atop of the standings in 2003. Matt Guppy Elmwood, Ill.
Mark Martin is just to much of a gentleman and all around nice guy. He comes from the same mold as Harry Gant. You have to be a bully out there sometimes to win a lot of races and especially a championship. Just look at your past champions and how they won most of their races! Gary L. Beck Harrison, Ohio
Jeremy Mayfield
Rudy Gutierrez Schaumburg, Ill.
Mayfield has all the makings to be a top contender in NASCAR, and he proved that with Penske (as long as he didn't have mechanical failures). I think he'll have a big improvement over how he did last year. Jason Harlo Laporte, Ind.
Jeremy will run a lot better this year. His second full season with Evernham will produce more top-10 finishes this year and hopefully at least finish in the top 15. With patience and avoid the big accidents Jeremy will prevail in 2003. Kathy Fanzo Lewistown, Pa.
I disagree this is the second "TOP" ride he has had and the only thing he has proved is he was not worthy of either. Roger P. is a GREAT judge of talent so what does Ray E. see in this guy? Who knows. But '03 will only show again the mistake Ray has made. Todd Blackburn Jonesboro, Ind.
Jeremy Mayfield will be a title contender in two or three years. He's pretty good and his team is pretty good but the competition isn't getting any easier. The sooner he wins a title, the better. With Elliott gone in two or three years, Mayfield will be Evernham's new lead driver, he'd better hope he lives up to his expectations. If he doesn't, it'll be hard to get another Cup ride because of all the competition coming. Allan Wells Jeffersonville, Ind.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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