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Monday, January 27
Updated: February 4, 3:34 PM ET

Comments on Winston Cup drivers
ESPN.com

We spotlighted Winston Cup drivers Ricky Rudd, Elliott Sadler, Ken Schrader, Mike Skinner and Jimmy Spencer. Here are your thoughts on their '02 campaigns and prospects for next season:

Ricky Rudd

I think Ricky is going to do great with the Wood Brothers. It will take a little time for them to get some kinks out. But I think they have a winning team. Ricky is a great driver.

Jenn Bullock
Columbus, Ohio

I'm a huge Ricky Rudd fan, but I can't say I understand what exactly happened in 2002. First he's upset that Yates might break up his team to field a third car. Then he is seen in fist fights with those very same teammates he doesn't want to be separated from. He only confused me more when he signed with the Wood Brothers over an opportunity to drive for the Ganassi team. I know Ricky didn't want to leave Ford, but I don't think it is possible to win a title driving for a single car team. Unfortunately, I am preparing myself for some lean years similar to the ones when Rudd was a single car driver/owner.

Brett Amos
Kokomo, Ind.

Ricky Rudd teaming with the Woods Brothers could very well be the team to watch in '03. Rudd's penchant for qualifying alone should vault the 21 car up to the front of the field, then let's see if they stay or fade. Best of luck to the whole team in 2003.

Steve Brown
Frederick, Md.

Rudd's dominance on road courses and short tracks will help him succeed with his new team, The Wood Brothers. This will help land him in the top 10 in points this coming year. By time his contract is up he will be contending for the title race in and race out because of the focus of himself and the Wood Brothers in racing for the Winston Cup championship.

Tom Murphy
Springfield, Mass.

Elliott Sadler

Yes, Elliott will do fine with RYR next year. I am a proud Elliott fan now. I hated to see the 28 go to the wayside, but the team did need a change.

Stephen Greco
Raleigh, N.C.

The one thing Elliott will learn this year is the meaning of the word pressure. Anything short of a top 10 finish in points will prove what a BIG mistake Yates racing has made in letting Mr. Rudd go.

Todd Blackburn
Jonesboro, Ind.

This guy Sadler is way overrated. The only place you know he is not going to finish is at the top, other than that he is all over the field, which leads this race fan to believe he does not put out the effort needed to win week after week

matt underwood
Lake Charles, La.

I have thought about Elliott's '02 season and believe he gave all he could just as the Wood Brothers did. I could only imagine how everyone was affected from the downside to the bright side. This young driver has great talent and needs to move on so his skills can be seen.The Wood Brothers on the other hand are also getting a driver who has been around for many years. I see this '03 season to be really good for both Elliott and the Wood brothers. Elliott wins two races and Ricky wins two races -- and they'll both do better in '04.

Lewis W. Logan
Pacolet, S.C.

Ken Schrader

BAM racing needed a driver with Ken's talent to get their operation going in the right direction. Ken needs BAM to show he still can drive to get back to a top notch ride.

Todd Blackburn
Jonesboro, Ind.

I think Schrader will have the 49 car in the top 20 in points all year unless funding prevents them from providing good cars. Ken can get more out of a race car then most, they just need to make certain the car can take it.

Gene Stiffler
Sparta , N.J.

I love Kenny Schrader, he will be the bright spot for this young team, but his best days are behind him. I agree that a top-30 finish would be a significant accomplishment for this team. My prediction: 37th. I really really would have liked to see what Shawna could have done in that ride if she could have run a full season.

Curtis Wampler
Mulvane, Kan.

A perfect example of what NASCAR racing is all about. Like 85 percent of the drivers out here, when his car is working perfectly he's more than capable of winning. If it's a bit off, he has no chance. Parity is one thing, but when the skills of a driver are so severely reduced, the racing product is nothing but bland. We've seen Ken (and others) at the top and are likely seeing him on the way down. Another example of what happens when there are too many cars on the track every week. Personable with the fans and sponsors? Absolutely. Good driver? Probably, but in NASCAR we can never know for sure.

David Zehr
Goshen, Ind.

Mike Skinner

I think Mike Skinner is a great driver. Unfortunately, luck has not been on his side in Winston Cup. I think this year things will change. With administrative changes at the Morgan-McClure shop and the move to a more uniform template, his chances for a victory are increasing. Some may question his ability to win, but with a NASCAR Truck Series championship and a few exhibition Winston Cup wins under his belt, it is just a matter of time.

Shawn Squires
Stillwater, Okla.

I believe that Skinner can put the No. 4 Pontiac in victory lane, given Pontiac will give a lot more factory support to Morgan-McClure than Chevy. However, the operation still has room to improve, as they need more people making the cars more competitive. I predict that it'll take most of the first half for this team to adjust cars, but then they could possibly be a contender later in the year.

Charlie Stobie
Beaverton, Ore.

I have liked Mike Skinner for several years and think he's an excellent driver but just hasn't gotten a win yet. I'm hoping that the team switching to Pontiac will be a positive thing.

Jill White
Kingsport, Tenn.

Mike will be the next driver to win his first Winston Cup race. The team has made a great choice in moving to Pontiac. They now will get more of the manufacturer's help then they have had previously. That and many other changes will bring the No. 4 car to victory lane this year.

Shelly Kane
Rochester, N.Y.

Jimmy Spencer

Give Jimmy a car and let him drive. He puts on a good show when he has a good car. His enthusiasm and candor are unequaled in NASCAR. Look for him to shine in at least a few races this year.

Tony Hatt
Denver, Pa.

Jimmy and Tommy Baldwin will have the team going in the right direction after the first several races. I predict a top-15 finish for this team. Jimmy is an excellent driver and I look forward to the 2003 season.

Stephen Cunningham
Bel Air, Md.

I think Jimmy will finish in the top 20 of points this year. It is even possible for Jimmy to win a race or two if given the proper equipment. Jimmy is one of the greatest untapped talents on the circuit. He should do well for Smith and the No. 7 crew.

Kerry L Stofel
Lobelville Tenn.

Jimmy Spencer is a dinosaur and it is unfortunate that he got a drive for Ultra Motorsports instead of a more deserving driver. He was horrible at Ganassi when his teammate was leading the standings. The only reason he received any publicity is because of his big mouth and his feud with Kurt Busch, who by the way is ten times the driver Jimmy is, was, or will ever be. Finally, if Jimmy Spencer was a good driver he would be able to handle turning right, which he proved he is incapable of at both Sears Point and the Glen

Jon Hasseler
Grand Rapids, Mich.

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