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Sunday, December 7 Updated: December 16, 4:21 PM ET  Comments on Cup drivers ESPN.com We spotlighted Cup drivers John Andretti, Johnny Benson, Greg Biffle and Dave Blaney. Here are your thoughts on their '03 campaigns and prospects for next season:
Ed Escher Kimberly, Idaho
John proved that with a good crew, a good car and good luck on the track, he can race hard to a great finish. Unfortunately, many of his races this year were plagued by car problems and incidents that were beyond his control. What John needs is a full-time ride with a crew that listens to his opinions. This will allow him to show his full potential. I have no doubt that John is a top-10 driver. Given the opportunity, he will find himself on the stage next December. Mark Lopa Newington, Conn.
2003 was tough for us Andretti fans. John drove for four different teams last year and all makes but Ford. When he got the gig with DEI it looked like he finally got the break to show what he could do. I'm afraid that he is now being cast aside at the expense of the young gun trend in NASCAR. It is too bad because there are several drivers with less talent than John that have fulltime rides. 2004 could be the end and if it is it will be the end of my following the sport. BC Stidham Peoria, Ariz.
I don't think John is going to find a competitive NASCAR ride this late in the game. Unless he takes a lesser ride for the full season in NASCAR, I think we'll see John return to his nomadic past, bouncing between NASCAR and the IRL. He'll hopefully drive Daytona and Indy for either his cousin or godfather. Just a hunch. Everyone knows his desire to drive Indy, and maybe this is his chance to return Bill Pickard Indianapolis
"After showing unwavering loyalty to Petty Enterprises for nearly 5½ years while passing up numerous opportunities to jump ship, Andretti's loyalty was "rewarded" by being fired by the team in June."
You mean that after being loyal to John for 5½ years, the Pettys finally released him. Isn't that what you meant to say?
Jon Raatz Fountain, Mich.
Johnny Benson is a great driver. Excellent spokesman for any company and for the sport in general. I don't understand how Sauter gets a decent ride when he is just one step below demolition derby in driving talent. If the sport wants to be on the higher level of reality it must have drivers that can act professional and drive with some sense. James Sanders Simi Valley, Calif.
Johnny Benson is a decent driver, but from what I see, the larger (and better funded) teams are looking for the young "hot shots" to develop as their future stars. This will not help Benson. A smaller, lower budget team is Benson's best option, but this will not help his future. It's a tough business and I find Johnny Benson a polite, professional driver who is kind of caught in the middle. Allen King Toronto
Benson probably won't secure a full time ride right away, but someone will pick him up in the first five races. Then, he WILL start to make a mark, and go into 2005 more secure and strong. Ron Bleezarde Pownal, Vt.
Johnny Benson probably should not return to Nextel Cup competition in 2004. Instead of picking up sub-par rides when he can, he should return to the Busch series, a la Kenny Wallace. He would be able to land a good Busch ride, possibly the Hendrick cars vacated by Brian Vickers or Kyle Busch. A good showing in Busch in '04 would spark interest from a top Nextel Cup team in '05. Johnny Benson is too good of a driver and person to deserve being cast into the backmarker rides that are currently available for next season. Steven Hughes Las Vegas
Rob Detroit
Biffle is the best! He has already won the Craftsman Truck Championship in 2000 and the Busch Grand National Championship in 2002. Now it's time for the Nextel Cup Championship in 2004. Lacey Holley Ripley, Miss.
Wrong Place at the Wrong Time. The pit crew needs to get him in and out clean and fast. Biffle lost a lot of places in the pits and some bad calls. Rich Pirtle Sandy, Ore.
As Benny told Jack, this guy used to build these cars and he knows how to get one around a track. He did not drive to his potential this year, but now that he knows the tracks, expect a lot better in 2004. Bill Peifer Vancouver, Wa.
He had last year as a learning experience. In '04 look out, I think he is a rising star in racing. Under Roush's guide he may be in the top 10 at end of the '04 season. Todd Blackburn Jonesboro, Ind.
Harriett Peifer Vancouver, Wash.
I've known Dave since he started running sprints. He was easy to work with, good input and ALWAYS stood on the gas. His cup finishes are not for lack of driving or communication skills. He is ready for first class equipment and deserves a shot. Butch Evans Parkersburg, W.V.
Dave Blaney is the best kept secret in NASCAR. As an "old" gun entering late into a youth-driven market, he's not had the pick of the choice rides, and his talent has been buried under substandard teams.
Jasper kept him off the market too long to let him get the foot in the door anywhere else for 2004, but don't expect the garage to ignore this diamond in the rough when some better options open up midyear. For Dave Blaney, 2004 will end much better than it will begin.
Well, he has never produced anything good in Winston Cup, before the meager results of this year. Dave needs more time in the Busch series. He never completely learned how to drive a stock car, coming over from being the sprint car champion. So he should either find a deal in the Busch series, or go back to being a sprint car driver. Amanda Revezzo Niagara Falls N.Y.
Blaney should get another shot in the 77. With him at the wheel the team has shown flashes of an underlying potential to be a consistent frontrunner. Affiliation with Penske and a top flight budget will allow Blaney to polish out and show just how good he truly is. Kent Guthrie Tulsa, Okla.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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