Fantasy NASCAR team preview: Stewart-Haas Racing

January 22, 2009 @ 00:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

No. 14 Burger King Chevrolet

Owner: Tony Stewart
Driver: Tony Stewart
Crew chief: Darian Grubb
NASCAR debut: 1999
Age: 37
Career Sprint Cup wins: 33
2008 Sprint Cup rank: 9

2009 fantasy outlook: The jump to a new team likely will hurt Stewart's chances initially - he'll be pulling double duties as both driver and co-owner. It will also be the first time the 2005 champion works without crew chief Greg Zipadelli. Two factors helping Stewart: the switch back to the Chevrolet and the use of Hendrick's chassis as well as engine. A Sprint Cup title in his first year might be out of the question, but he is still considered a No. 1 driver.

No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet

Owner: Haas Automation
Driver: Ryan Newman
Crew chief: Tony Gibson
NASCAR debut: 2000
Age: 31
Career Sprint Cup wins: 13
2008 Sprint Cup rank: 17

2009 fantasy outlook: Newman will be hoping a change of scenery from Penske Racing to Stewart-Hass Racing shakes him from his three-year slump. After four straight years making the Chase from 2002 to 2003, Newman has placed 18th, 13th and 17th in the last three years, respectively. He has demonstrated the ability to win, and win big (eight races in 2002), but given his recent struggles along with the switch to a new team, Newman is a No. 2 fantasy driver with limited upside.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

Fantasy NASCAR race preview: Coca-Cola 600 (05/23)
Fantasy NASCAR rankings: Coca Cola 600 (05/22)
Fantasy NASCAR: Coming on strong in the second half (05/21)