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Monday, January 6 Updated: January 13, 2:36 PM ET  Comments on Winston Cup drivers ESPN.com We spotlighted Winston Cup drivers Bobby Hamilton, Kevin Harvick, Dale Jarrett, Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth. Here your thoughts on their '02 campaigns and prospects for next season:
Bobby Hamilton
I know for a fact that Bobby has the "right stuff" and I can't blame him for not wanting to be just a "ride-a-round." I think he got shafted by a couple of owners -- including PE -- and he'll be back. He has more talent than 90 percent of the current cup drivers. Jim Lusk Nashville, Tenn.
Bobby, race the trucks. Look at Ted Musgrave -- he's doing fine. Stay out of the WC cars. Leave the CUP cars to the great drivers. Jim Scholl Columbus, Ohio
Hamilton does have what it takes as far as driving ability, but lately he hasn't had what it takes with racing equipment. The fact that he won races driving for the teams he has is a testament for his ability. He has won races in inferior equipment. Hamilton is heading to the Truck series. So, we will still see a lot of Bobby Hamilton -- only now it likely will be in victory lane. Terrell Davis LaVergne, Tenn.
Bobby Hamilton is a very underrated driver. Remember, he has won four times on four different types of tracks, all with teams that were considered mediocre at best. He has gotten the most of a car without tearing it up. I will put my money on him winning the CTS championship this year. I also think that he will be back in WC as well. Mark Lengel Bonn, Germany
Kevin Harvick
Kevin is an awesome driver and has what it takes to win the championship. He was thrown into a tough situation and things happened way too fast for him. He has matured and will handle himself in a much more professional manner this year AND give all of them a run for their money! He's an intimidating driver for sure! Debra Harrand Traverse City, Mich.
Couldn't agree more -- Kevin is definitely due to explode in 2003. The right chemical mix is finally in place with this team being led by Gil Martin, a crew chief highly respected throughout the garage for his ability to set up a car. Now that he and Kevin have jelled, look out! Alice Martin Atlanta
I think that Kevin is one the best drivers out there. The way that last season went no one deserves to be at the top more than him. Shane Christian Kingsport,Tenn.
Kevin Harvick will come back hard in 2003. Richard Childress will not stand for his "flagship" team not even being the best of the three in the standings, like last year. Since RCR developed the new Chevy Monte Carlo, you know that they will have an edge. Plus, he's no longer on NASCAR's "watch" anymore. I think he can crack the top ten in next year's points. Chris Estrada Pascoag, R.I.
Dale Jarrett
Dale Jarrett will finish in the top five for 2003. I think Elliott Sadler will be an asset to the team and bring information DJ can use. I believe Ricky was a downer last year as far as teammates went. I really like Ricky but with all the tension between him and Yates it was not good for the team. Elliott and DJ already have a good relationship. Elaine McGrath Hampton, Va.
I have been a Dale Jarrett fan since he first stepped into the 88 car in '96. Last year was tough to watch but I think the engine problems will not affect DJ this year and he will be chasing title No. 2 come November. Yates needs to get back to the front at the restrictor tracks that they use to dominate and have some better luck on the shorties. I can't wait for the season to get going so I can shovel the crow I ate last year from my Tony Stewart buddies back their direction. Lenny Austin Holden, Mo.
Though the Yates-Rudd saga probably took a toll on DJ this past year, I think as a whole, driving with Rudd for three years was a great opportunity and will be sorely missed. Aside for some years as a single team driver-owner, Rudd has consistently finished in the top 10 and twice nearly snatched a title for himself. His experience will be missed. Brett Amos Kokomo, Ind.
I have been following Jarrett for a few years now and though he is an incredible driver, I saw him in the 2002 season become more and more conservative. This may have been to due with the fact that he had two engine failures, but I believe if he can get back to the aggressive side that he will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming 2003 season. Scott Miller Quarryville, Pa.
Jimmie Johnson
With the resources of Hendrick Motorsports and knowledge learned from Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson will once again be a serious title threat in 2003. Jimmie lost ROTY honors last year and I think that will help motivate the entire 48 crew to come out and hold nothing back. Once the new pit crew members settle in, watch for the Lowe's team to power its way to the front. Just like the No. 24, the No. 48 is too good of a team to be found running at the back of the pack. If they do, they won't be back there long. Tim Allen Triangle, Va.
After his run last year, my question is, "What sophomore jinx?" I really think he has a great chance at winning the title this year, maybe even winning more races than boss Jeff Gordon. So here's to 2003! Go Jimmie! Bethany Vesper Tulsa, Okla.
I thought Jimmie was jipped of the rookie title. He had a great year in 2002. He was the first rookie in NASCAR Winston Cup history to lead the points standings, he won three races, had four poles and he finished fifth in the final points standings. Ryan Newman had only one more top-10 than Jimmie and yet he gets the title. I personally think Jimmie will do very well this coming season. With a great season in '02, I think it will continue through the '03 season. I think he could even capture his first Winston Cup title. He's a great driver and he has a great head on his shoulders. Not to mention, he has a great team behind him which will help him win more in the upcoming season. I look forward to seeing him this season. Jaci Adams Sheridan, Ark.
This kid reminds me of Richard Petty in his prime. He has a knack for running hard only when it counts and hiding at mid-pack at other times. He is smooth and patient. Should win a lot of races with his skills and team. Geoff Charles Baltimore, Md.
Matt Kenseth
I think he is the most talented of the group. Martin is good but aging. Busch is a good driver but too emotional. I expect Matt to be the top Rousch driver this year. Matt Zukowski Palm Desert, Calif.
From his first win when he punted Stewart out of the way at Rockingham to his five Cup wins in 2002, Kenseth has made a big statement about his determination to succeed. Might win a Cup title within three years if the Roush equipment will hold up and competition within the organization does not become a distraction. It's possible for his chief title rivals to be his teammates. Geoff Charles Baltimore, Md.
Despite the fact that he may have lost two valuable crew members, Matt still looms as a serious contender for the Winston Cup championship. His ability to come from the back of the field and be a contender is second to none. He won five races last season, and in all of them he started 20th or worse. In addition you have to realize that he does have the best spotter in Winston Cup. -- Mike Calinoff (I had to slip that one in, Mike is my son). Len Calinoff Long Island, N.Y.
2003 should be a great year for Kenseth. I think he will capitalize on last year's five wins with more victories this year and several top fives and Top 10s and be a credible contender for the title. With Roush Racing at his back, this will be a banner year for Matt. Jeff Thorne Oneonta, N.Y.  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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