Fantasy NASCAR team preview: Red Bull Racing

January 30, 2009 @ 00:00:00

By Tim Piotrowski
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

No. 82 Red Bull Toyota

Owner: Dietrich Mateschitz
Driver: Scott Speed
Crew chief: Jimmy Elledge
Sprint Cup debut: 2008
Age: 26
Career Sprint Cup wins: 0
2008 Sprint Cup rank: 55

2009 fantasy outlook: Speed, who has experience in Formula One and the Craftsman Truck Series, received his first taste of Sprint Cup Series racing at the end of the 2008 season. He did not find much success in his brief time behind the wheel, finishing 30th or worse in four of the five races but was able to finish 16th in the final race of the season. Like many other drivers changing from one racing league to another, Speed likely will have his struggles early while getting accustomed to the Sprint Cup Series and the drivers. He should be considered a low No. 3 on the upside of things but more safely a No. 4 driver because of his relative inexperience.

No. 83 Red Bull Energy Drink Toyota

Owner: Dietrich Mateschitz
Driver: Brian Vickers
Crew chief: Ryan Pemberton
Sprint Cup debut: 2003
Age: 25
Career Sprint Cup wins: 1
2008 Sprint Cup rank: 19

2009 fantasy outlook: Vickers had some success behind the wheel of the No. 83 car last season, posting three top-five and six top-10 finishes, ending the season 19th in points. One thing that may have a negative effect on Vickers, at least early in the season, is that he will be working with a new crew chief, which may take some races to get used to for the No. 83 team. Vickers should be considered a low No. 2 driver for owners this season.

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Tim Piotrowski
Piotrowski has been a Hot Off the Wire analyst since 2007.

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