Two in a row for Kenseth, and unlike many other chase front-runners from the past, he was hot all season. So the question is, is Matt just inspired by his new situation or has he been handicapped all these years by Roush Racing? It's been ten years since Roush won back-to-back (and their only) championships. Kenseth was one of those, Busch the other.
Roush never got Mark Martin a championship and there's no question that he was talented. Jack didn't come through for Carl Edwards when he lost to Tony Stewart in a tie. I don't think Carl won any races that year. Roush also picks a lot of second-string drivers. The #99 has done well with Jeff Burton and Edwards, but the #26/#97 was a weak team except for the Busch years. I don't think there's ever been anyone good in the #16. And there's the fact that Roush has trouble attracting sponsors. That's an indication of another weak area.
There's little question that Roush was a force to be reckoned with in sports car racing during the Eighties, but I think they've been limping along for the last twenty years.
I don't think Matt could have been a five-time champion, but the way he looks now, he should be running for his third championship instead of his second. I like Matt; I'd like to see him win it all. But I think I'd prefer Kyle Busch because it might kick his butt hard enough to take advantage of the talent he has. I think he has the highest potential of anyone running now.
I think a lot of Matt's previous shortcomings were the result of being associated with Rousch. I am not a big fan of :"The Cat in the Hat" but that is a long story and has to do with an encounter with the man at Darlington. It was not once, not twice, but three times he insulted a member of the press (not me) and then walked off like he was a demi-god. Had no use from him since that time.I think Greg Biffle is an "ok" driver. Stenhouse is going to have to prove himself more than I've seen this year but if he loses out to Sparkle Pony for Rookie of the Year, that is going to crimp his style. As for "Duck Boy" Edwards, he is another one I have encountered out of the eye of the television cameras and you can believe me when I say this man is so totally fake it is almost unsettling.Ok, enough from me. But thanks for posting Andy.