The Outside Groove 2006 Season Preview--Part 8

22 through 24--A former champ, a former champ contender, and someone else.

22. 43 Bobby Labonte
The Case For: Has the champion’s provisional, meaning that he is essentially guaranteed to make every race. This is commonly known as “pulling a DW”.
The Case Against: Car has a giant white glove on it.
Changes: New team, new sponsor, new crew chief, same hair cut.
Fun Fact: Robbie Loomis took the position with Petty only after he was promised that he’d never have to leave his office.

23. 42 Casey Mears
The Case For: Narrowly avoided going to a brand-new team without owners points.
The Case Against: The 42 team ain’t much better.
Changes: Its basically a shift, with the 41 and 42 teams staying as-is while the drivers change. They’re like pawns. Highly, highly paid pawns.
Fun Fact: FINALLY, he has that bulls eye off his back.

24. 31 Jeff Burton
The Case For: Well, he COULD conceivably win a race this season.The Case Against: He’s Jeff Burton, he’s driving for RCR, and this is NOT 1997.Changes: Prilosec comes on board as an associate sponsor, and Cingular continues to fight the man.Fun Fact: Jeff was once considered a championship contender. No, really.