The Outside Groove 2006 Season Preview--Part 9

25 through 27--Two soul-patches and another Hamlin

25. 1 Martin Truex Jr.
The Case For: Has lots in common with teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr.—Busch Series success, DEI background, dumb facial hair.The Case Against: Inherits car notes from noted Nascar superstar John Andretti.
Changes: It’s a brand-new team, but its not a brand new team.Fun Fact: Crew Chief Kevin “Bono” Manion was recently named on of Time Magazine’s “People of the Year”. That’s not him? Well, it should’ve been.

26. 10 Scott Riggs
The Case For: Now he’s a Hungry Driver.The Case Against: No longer gets free Big Bufords at Checker’s.
Changes: New team (Evernham), new sponsor (Stanley joins Valvoline), new part-owner with a cool name (James Rocco).Fun Fact: Scott has trouble getting through airport security…WITH THESE GUNS!!!

27. 11 Denny Hamlin
The Case For: Could be the best short-track racer since Rusty Wallace.The Case Against: Could be the best short-track racer since Rich Bickle.
Changes: Hamlin starts his first full season with the team, as does crew chief Mike Ford, currently with is 34th team.Fun Fact: Denny is the 59th Hamlin currently involved in Nascar.