Here is a look at some of the promising Nationwide Series drivers heading into the season.
Austin Dillon — The defending truck series champion already has a lot going for him heading into his first Nationwide season. With a group of sponsors lined up, a veteran group of crew members in the garage area and a growing legion of fans, Dillon's No. 3 Chevrolet will be at the front of the field a lot this season.
Taking a look at Dillon on the track, he is confident, composed and does a very good job at finding the right line on the track early in the race. The fact that he is the grandson of Richard Childress probably doesn't hurt his chances either.
Danica Patrick — Oh, boy. It's not unrealistic to expect the same kind of hype and insanity found with Tim Tebow (and now Jeremy Lin) to be following Patrick around all season long, especially since Patrick showed some signs of potential at the end of last season.
With her Indy Racing League (IRL) career pretty much behind her, her learning curve should increase even more. Don't expect Patrick to visit victory lane this season, but make no mistake, she will give the boys a run for their money.
Kurt/Kyle Busch — A lot is riding on this brotherly alliance. Many fans, owners and drivers are curious to see if having the Busch brothers on the same team can really work. Add in the fact that Monster Energy has stepped in as a sponsor, and the No. 54 Toyota has all the makings of being one of the most exciting story lines to follow this year.
Not only will it be exciting to watch, but expect the Busch brothers to be visiting victory lane multiple times this season, with both Kurt and Kyle behind the wheel.
Sam Hornish Jr. — A dark horse to win the championship, Hornish Jr. has a solid team behind him.
Many people forget his win last November at Phoenix, and his raw talent at driving racecars is unquestioned. Just look at his IRL career.
For Hornish Jr., it will be a matter of harnessing his skills in a stock car, something he struggled to do during his Cup tenure. Still, the Nationwide Series might just be the building block he needs to revive his NASCAR career.
Cole Whitt — Cole Whitt takes over the No. 88 Chevrolet vacated by Aric Almirola, although many people thought that David Ragan had the inside track to acquiring the ride.
Whitt has a lot to prove. Dale Earnhardt Jr. loves hiring out-of-nowhere drivers to see if they can develop and be successful.
It worked perfectly for Brad Keselowski but not so much for names like Shane Huffman and Kelley Bires. Whitt showed signs of talent last year in the truck series, but he has a long ways to go. Expect Junior to be patient with this young man.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!