1 week ago
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The NASCAR season has brought a lot of excitement for fans. However, fans are asking the questions what the next year could bring them. This season we witnessed the victory of Joey Logano, who impressed at the end of the season. His start to the season could have been better, but the experienced driver managed to change things, showing that he really can fight with the best. This great driver has already won two championships, and this is the third time he has reached the throne.
The Teardown podcast was an opportunity for Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck to share their predictions for the next season. Looking at the next season, Bianchi believes Shane van Gisbergen could be a surprise, feeling that he will be one of the year's surprises. He expects this driver to secure a few victories. Furthermore, if Van Gisbergen fails to make it to the playoffs, Bianchi stated that he would be quite shocked.
“I think he’s gonna win multiple races next year,” Bianchi said, as quoted by On3.
“… He’s ran at COTA before on this new configuration. If he doesn’t make the playoffs, I’m gonna be shocked. If he doesn’t win multiple races, I’m gonna be shocked.”
Shane van Gisbergen
His colleague, however, has a slightly different opinion, expecting that Shane van Gisbergen will not be as impressive next season. Although he feels that he will achieve certain successes, Gluck is not optimistic that this experienced driver can really achieve great things. In his opinion, just being part of the playoffs would be a great result for van Gisbergen, but every next step will be extremely difficult. The competition in the next season will be fierce, just like the previous one. We will see how much this experienced driver can really do.
“Interestingly enough, I might go with SVG for biggest disappointment,” Gluck said. “I don’t think he’s gonna run well on the ovals… am I gonna pick him to make the playoffs? I am. So, I’m talking a little bit out of both sides of my mouth. I think he’s gonna win a road course race and make the playoffs, but we’ve also seen it’s a lot harder to actually put that into practice. He ran what, four or so road courses this year in Cup and didn’t win."
Talking about Shane van Gisbergen, Gluck shared skepticism about his chances next season. Although van Gisbergen has traditionally been strong in certain races, Gluck acknowledges it is difficult to be consistent and win week after week, even when you have the necessary qualities. Many factors, such as technical problems, part failures, and other unexpected circumstances, can lead to surprising results for van Gisbergen.
Gluck has a few more names in mind that could do poorly next season. However, this experienced reporter doesn't seem to want to put more pressure on some of the drivers, knowing how difficult the task will be for each of them. It is really hard to conclude who will take a step forward next year and who could be a great disappointment.
NASCAR
NASCAR used to surprise us before, so we can expect the same in the coming season. Many quality and experienced drivers appeared on the NASCAR scene in the year behind us. The competition is extremely strong, which makes predictions for the season even more difficult.
It will be interesting to follow the performances of Chase Briscoe next season, considering that he has changed teams and is now a member of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Briscoe replaced Martin Truex Jr., who was one of the main weapons of this team for years. This young driver will face a challenging task, but many believe in his potential.
Jordan Bianchi feels that Briscoe can achieve great results and will be in a good position. Briscoe has shown his talent many times before but this great driver admitted he feels the pressure of performing for a team with ambitions to be at the very top. Being part of such an ambitious team is difficult, but Briscoe is confident he can achieve good results.
JGR leaders have huge expectations of him, aware of his potential.
Ryan Preece
Bianchi also mentioned Ryan Preece, stressing he has the potential to make a big step forward at RFK Racing. Just like Briscoe, Preece has also changed teams.
Listening to the opinions of experts and people close to Preece, expectations are high. However, the key question will be how he will cope with the pressure that comes with driving a team with ambitions and high goals.
Preece wants to stay focused on racing, pay less attention to the media and criticism, and achieve success.
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