After winning a series-high seven races last year, #20-Matt Kenseth is on the verge of going winless this year. It would be one of the greatest turnarounds in series history. Only Carl Edwards’ falloff would be greater. Edwards won a series-high nine races in 2008 and then went winless the following season. If Kenseth does not win this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he would become only the eighth driver in series history to win at least five races one season and go winless the following year (while running the full schedule). Others on that list are Jeff Gordon (six wins in 2007, zero in 2008), Kasey Kahne (six wins in 2006, zero in 2007), Mark Martin (five wins in 2009, zero in 2010), Bill Elliott (five wins in 1992, zero in 1993), Dale Earnhardt (five wins in 1980, zero in 1981) and Richard Petty (five wins in 1978, zero in 1977). Of those drivers, two are in the Hall of Fame (Earnhardt and Petty) and one will be inducted in the next class (Elliott).
A number of marks and streaks are on the line this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. #14-Tony Stewart looks for his first victory of the season. He’s won at least one race every year he’s been in Sprint Cup (15 seasons). His streak is tied for fifth in series history. Richard Petty won at least one race a record 18 consecutive seasons (1960-77).
Other drivers who won at least one points race last year and are still looking for their first points win this season are: #31-Ryan Newman, #55-Brian Vickers, #34-David Ragan, #16-Greg Biffle, #1-Jamie McMurray and #78-Martin Truex Jr. There have been 13 different winners this season. That would be the fewest winners in a season since 2010.(MRN)(11-12-2014)
