Preview Of 2011's Top 5 Sprint Cup Teams: #5- Stewart-Haas Racing

The biggest problem that Stewart-Haas Racing had in 2010 was inconsistency.  Both Stewart and Newman had strings of good finishes but would then have 2 or 3 DNF's or poor finishes due to mechanical or handling problems.

For Stewart, the customary late-season charge never came.  That along with a poor Spring made for a so-so 2010 for the 14 team.  Stewart almost mounted a charge in the fall with a win and a 4th place finish in California and Kansas, but followed those finishes with five finishes outside the top 10.  In the nine races he in which he led laps, six of them ended with Stewart not on the lead lap.  In 2011 if Stewart can avoid the wrecks and change a few finishes, he could be once again in contention for the championship.  Who else would be a better competitor for Jimmie Johnson in the Fall?  If he can return to his hard-charging late-year racing, he can definitely give JJ a run.

Newman, however, may need a few handling repairs to break through.  With 6 finishes of 30th or worse, and 15 finishes between 15th and 29th, Newman will need both consistency and a little better late-race handling.  Too many times in 2010 the 39 team either could not compete at all or tapered off late in the race.  In the eight races in which Newman led laps he either finished in the top 12 or he wrecked.

No matter how they finished in 2010, there are not too many other drivers that are as hard-driving and strong willed as Stewart and Newman.  Look for Stewart-Haas Racing to build on a season in which both drivers had wins.  If a few breaks go their way, look for both of them in the top 10 come chase time with Stewart poised to challenge for a third championship.

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