CUP: First Impressions Of '12 Competition

Sprint Cup

CUP: First Impressions Of ‘12 Competition

Here are first impressions of the 2012 Sprint Cup programs...

FOXSports.com | Posted January 30, 2012 Charlotte, NC

Juan Pablo Montoya won't be satisfied with another year like 2011. (Photo: Getty Images)

NASCAR teams offered a first look at 2012 Sprint Cup programs during the recent Media Tour. After several offered insight and predictions, it's time to separate the optimism from the reality of what each faces this season.

Here are first impressions of the teams:

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

Team owner Chip Ganassi offered an honest assessment of EGR as he reflected on the wholesale changes throughout his organization. “It’s pretty obvious what spurred me,” Ganassi said. “We were 21st and 27th in the points, and that’s just pathetic for a team with our ability and our resources, simple as that.” So Ganassi cleaned house. He hired John Probst as technical director in September and rebuilt the No. 42 team for Juan Pablo Montoya adding crew chief Chris Heroy and retaining just three former members of the squad in the offseason. While Jamie McMurray’s team remains intact, expect a similar cleansing with the No. 1 crew if results don’t materialize by May. — Lee Spencer

Front Row Motorsports

David Ragan joins David Gilliland with Front Row this season, giving the team a strong pairing for the restrictor-plate tracks and a duo hungry to build the team into a contender. Both are locked into the opening five Cup races, where the points are taken from 2011. Ragan, 26, earned his first career victory in 2011 while driving for Roush Fenway Racing, but lack of sponsorship caused his team to shut down. Now, he’s looking to improve on his overall performance and prove that he belongs among the sport’s top drivers. Gilliland finished third in the season-opening Daytona 500 last season and is seeking his first Cup victory in his fourth season with the team. Both have a lot to prove, which could make them more of a threat, especially on the plate tracks, which count among the best tracks for both drivers. — Rea White

Furniture Row Racing

Look for an increased level of performance from Furniture Row Racing. Getting his first Sprint Cup win in 2011 has added to driver Regan Smith’s confidence. He moved to Denver to be close to the team shop, and everyone is intent on building on last season. This team has been gaining ground annually. There’s absolutely no reason to think that it will not continue to do so this season. There’s no reason this single-car entry can’t easily finish in the top 15 in the standings, challenge for the Chase field and return to Victory Lane. — Rea White

Hendrick Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. , driver of the No. 88 Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet, speaks to the media during Daytona Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway. (Photo: Getty Images)

Even before team owner Rick Hendrick’s bold claim last week that he wants his four teams in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup and one of them to win the championship, 2012 was all about great expectations for this juggernaut. But don’t expect the pressure to make this group crumble as every driver in the stable comes in with something to prove. All the talk of tension in Team 48 between Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus appears to be quashed, and now the duo is back with a vengeance as it looks to start another title romp. Jeff Gordon is determined to prove that he hasn’t lost a step at 40, and last year’s three-win resurgence proves he’s still got lots left in the tank. Newcomers Kasey Kahne and crew chief Kenny Francis relish the opportunity to work their magic at Hendrick, having won races in past years despite turmoil surrounding them at Petty (2010) and Red Bull (2011). That leaves Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sure, he’s winless since 2008, but last year’s pairing with Steve Letarte was just the kick-start he needed. If the No. 88 crew can get a win early (see: Daytona 500), the sky is the limit. —Jorge Mondaca

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