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Monday, December 15 Updated: December 26, 3:06 PM ET  Comments on Cup drivers ESPN.com We spotlighted Cup drivers Todd Bodine, Jeff Burton, Ward Burton and Kurt Busch. Here are your thoughts on their '03 campaigns and prospects for next season:
Steve Basham Columbus, Ohio
Todd gets a lot of bum raps and if given a good opportunity he could prove he's worth the effort. Thanks to politics all the Bodines are affected ... Just take a real close look at it. Tony Amentler Athens, Pa.
My prediction for Todd for next year will be that of a super sub again until he lands a ride with a team that has an underperforming driver. He has too much talent to sit on the sidelines if he cannot land a ride from Daytona. Bob Rochester, N.Y.
Todd, like his older brothers Geoffrey and Brett, is underappreciated. He has potential, shows what he can do with even a halfway decent team (in the Busch series) and has a great personality and a recognizable name and face. It's a shame more Northeastern U.S. companies can't get together and field cars for all three Bodine brothers, or at least one car that the three can rotate driving for week-to-week. How much longer do we have to see scrubs like Hermie Sadler, Derrike Cope, Morgan Shepherd and Mike Wallace getting rides while good drivers sit and watch on television? Andrew Seder Tobyhanna, Pa.
In my opinion this guy should be a professional demolition derby driver. With all the cars he tears up he must think that's what Cup is. Kory Schoen Chilton Wisc.
Leo Ioannou Williston, Vt.
Jeff Burton should not be counted out! He is a very talented driver. He cares about the sport and everyone in it. He is more involved with helping (safety, attitude, advertising, loyalty) the sport than any other driver! What sponsor shouldn't want him? Jeff does promos all the time. His image should be exactly what sponsors are looking for! I hope he comes back in 2004 and really puts it to those 'nonbelievers!' Deanna C. Neeck Lewiston, Minn.
As a big fan of Jeff Burton I am actually having a hard time with his loyalty to Roush. Just two years ago he appeared to be the leader of the multi-car team, now he appears to lead the team in bad parts and bad management. With some of the names of sponsors that have come and gone, I would have to believe that Roush is asking too much money based on his "reputation." Resources at Roush should easily be available to run a full 36 races for Jeff. Hopefully, there will be some good teams looking for a great driver in 2005. Mark Fortin Clinton Twp., Mich.
When Mark Martin brought Burton up from Busch, I thought this guy was going to be the next dominating young lion. All that hope or hype of the first few years, he has shown he does not have what it take (guts) to win week after week. Put him back in Busch and let him make laps because that's all he will ever be: A lap driver and never a winner. John Catoe Hinesville, Ga.
Jeff's best days are yet to come. Before his career is over he will have at least one championship. He is a threat every week and was steadily progressing throughout 2003. His kind of talent doesn't just disappear. Keep watching! Paula Koffler Dickinson, N.D.
Charles Dougherty Smithton, Pa.
I think that the NetZero team has an excellent chance to reach the Top 10 in 2004. Ward FINALLY has a crew chief that listens to him and understands what he needs. Phyllis Stansell Cleveland, Tenn.
I know with the right equipment and team Ward will be able to put the zero car in victory lane. He seems so much more relaxed and ready to roll since parting ways with BDR. He has driving talent, skill, experience and is a true competitor. My hats off to Haas for recognizing that and offering Ward a ride and team he is comfortable with. In my opinion, it is a win/win situation. Joyce Bell Newport, Ark.
I don't know if the team will be top 15 next year because the team is so new but it will surprise some people. Ward will finish ahead of Wimmer. Bill Davis Racing is a sinking ship. I am so glad he got out. He's the only driver who ever won a cup race for them and they treated him like dirt. Bill Lamb Franklin, Tenn.
With a one-car team you just cannot compete with the big boys on a week to week basis. I think maybe 16th-20th finish in points but more than likely 20th-28th finish. Without the $$$ and resources it's just too much to ask of a one-car team. As for Kurt Busch, he has the talent and the equipment to be a top contender. But you have to have your head on straight at all times to be great. I just do not think he has it all together upstairs to be a championship contender. Todd Blackburn Jonesboro, Ind.
Danny Heller Berwick, Pa.
I think Kurt will be right back in the hunt again in '04 -- eight wins in two years? The second most wins in both '02 and '03? With the new Ford horsepower, look for Kurt to challenge for No. 1 in wins and also the NC title this year. I certainly hope so, am a huge fan! Carey Armstrong Arlington, Va.
Kurt has the talent and ability, regardless of the competition, to keep the trophy with Roush. Where he runs into problems, which ironically is his biggest asset, is his aggressiveness. I think we could see a stellar season if Kurt, Jimmy and his team could all pay a little more respect to this trait. Just enough of it makes a winner, too much of it causes wrecks and blown engines. A middle ground is what is needed ... they all know how to do this. It just seemed toward the end of the 2003 season no one had the patience to find it. Hopefully, that will be different in 2004. Either way, I will still pull for the Wild man! Kate Graham Rock Hill, S.C.
I think his mouth will still over run his face and I would be pleased to see him out of the top ten.I think his mouth will still over run his face and I would be pleased to see him out of the top ten.I think his mouth will still over run his face and I would be pleased to see him out of the top 10. Kerry Blankenbiller Scappoose Ore.
If he can keep his cool next year, and focus on driving, he has a heck of a shot of finishing in the top 10, if not top five in the points race, and is a heck of a driver when he's focused on driving, not starting trouble with other drivers. David Falke Garden City, Kan.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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