Hi all,
Well now that the Cooper Series opener is a week away, I thought it would be a good time to gaze into the crystal ball and make some predictions. Based on who I believe is running this year, here's are my thoughts.
Zetec Championship Contenders
Jay Howard - The Rod Stewart look-a-like is the leading contender in my mind. Last year he arrived from the UK and shocked everyone at Sears. If he develops a good relationship with the team and his engineer, he should win a bunch of races.
Joey Foster - While possibly not that well known over here, the kid has talent. A star in UK in FF where he won "The Festival" at Brands, he should benefit from racing with multi-time champions Cape.
Chris Guerrieri - The Canadian got quicker as the season went on last year and showed in Cdn FF he can win races. The key will be if he can gel with his team and be consistent.
Franklin Futrelle - In the small Formula SCCA field last year, he was one of two drivers who dominated. Quick and consistent, his title chances rely on scoring points every weekend.
Chris Dona - The dark horse. Given the team is just him and his dad, he'll need some luck, but many believe he's got the talen to make the most of the situation.
Rookie of Year contenders
Jay Howard
Joey Foster
Franklin Futrelle
Chris Meredith - Like Futrelle a graduate of FSCCA. How quickly he adapts to the Zetec car and how consistent he is throughout the year will be the key.
Master's Cup contenders (Over 35)
Scott Rubenzer - The ageless wonder. The all-time career starts leader, he regularly beats drivers younger that his kids age.
Gerald Kraut - As he showed last year, with JDC's backing he can be quick on any given weekend.
Matt McDonough - After a year's hiatus, he returns to the series looking to recapture his podium finishes.
Jason Byers - Don't let the party atmosphere under the St. Clair tent fool you, they know what their doing and he's quick.
Greg Pizzo - The defending ACC Champion makes the move up to Zetec and looks to succeed like many of the past ACC winners.
Cooper Cup contenders
Glennon Reidler - A class winner last year, the SCCA standout will likely have have to run more races this year due to deeper field.
Bill Jordan - Had such a good time at Road America last year, decided to return and will make his pressence felt.
Doug Kniffin - A SCCA standout in the Northeast, he'll be looking to show he can win anywhere.
Road Atlanta predictions
Podium
Howard
Foster
Futrelle
Master's
Byers
Gold Cup
Reidler
Well there you go.
Cheers,