The NASCAR XFINITY SERIES and NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES open their 2016 seasons this week at Daytona International Speedway with FOX Sports providing comprehensive live coverage.
FOX NASCAR kicks off its second year of coverage of the NASCAR XFINITY SERIES from Daytona on Saturday, February 20 with the season opener at 3:30 p.m. ET. Adam Alexander calls the action alongside Michael Waltrip and 2014 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES champion Kevin Harvick, with pit reports from Little, Neville and Yocum. NASCAR RACEDAY – XFINITY, FS1’s XFINITY Series pre-race show, previews the action at 3 p.m. ET. Trotta hosts with analysis from McReynolds and Kenny Wallace.
The NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES opens its season Friday, February 19 (7:30 p.m. ET) on FS1, with comprehensive pre-race coverage beginning with NCWTS SETUP at 7 p.m. ET. Vince Welch, in his first year as FS1’s Truck Series play-by-play announcer, has the call alongside Phil Parsons and Michael Waltrip. Hermie Sadler, Yocum and Kaitlyn Vincie cover pit road. Trotta hosts NCWTS SETUP live from the Hollywood Hotel with analysis from two-time series champion Todd Bodine and reporting from Sadler and Vincie. (To download the 2016 FOX NASCAR DAYTONA 500 Broadcast Guide, please CLICK HERE.)
Below, Adam Alexander, Vince Welch and FOX NASCAR pit reporter Hermie Sadler offer their predictions for the new seasons:
What effect do you expect the NCWTS warning clock to have? How will this change strategy?
“Racing teams will need to evaluate how the warning timer affects strategy during each race, as with any other pit stop decision, but I do not expect this to constitute a significant disruption or have a major impact on racing.”
–Vince Welch
“The caution clock has been a big topic of conversation because it’s new. I like the idea, and from a television and entertainment standpoint, it could make for a better show because it would reset the field and create restarts. It would also reduce the gap between the larger and smaller teams and the effectiveness of their pit crews. I can’t wait to see how this plays out.”
–Hermie Sadler
How do you think the new Chase format will change the season on a weekly basis?
“I love the addition of the Chase because it provides more consistency across the three major series, gives more teams a chance to win the title and ensures an exciting build-up to the championship finale at Homestead.”
–Vince Welch
“The new Chase format should do the same thing for the Truck Series as it does for the Cup Series: encourage teams and drivers to bet more on the track and on pit road. It also gives smaller, less funded teams a chance to shake things up. Putting more emphasis on winning is always a good thing. What will be interesting is how some of the veteran drivers react to and perform under this new system.”
–Hermie Sadler
“The Chase will create a high level of anticipation each week in the XFINITY Series. Win and you will change everyone’s mindset for good.”
–Adam Alexander
Evaluate young guns. Who among the young people will have the best season?
“The Truck Series is loaded with tremendous young talent. Tyler Reddick proved last year that he is championship caliber. KBM should have Christopher Bell in contention for the title. John Hunter Nemechek gets everything out of his equipment and more. Rico Abreu is an incredible talent. The list goes on; that’s what makes the Camping World Truck Series so exciting.”
–Vince Welch
“As for the ‘young guys,’ we have an extremely talented group in the Truck Series, but the two favorites for Rookie of the Year are Rico Abreu and William Byron. They are incredibly talented and have strong teams and support systems behind them.”
–Hermie Sadler
“Erik Jones is the favorite for the XFINITY Series championship in his rookie season. In fact, it’s all about the Joneses this year. I also expect Brandon Jones to be strong for Richard Childress Racing.”
–Adam Alexander
Best new driver/crew chief combo?
“There are several interesting Truck Series driver and crew chief combinations in place for 2016, although we won’t know who’s best until a few races into the season. But here are a few to watch: William Byron with Rudy Fugle’s experience; Cameron Hayley with Eddie Troconis; Daniel Hemric with Doug Randolph could be a sleeper for the championship; and Timothy Peters with Shane Huffman, the first new crew chief for him in years years.”
–Hermie Sadler
Which four drivers will qualify for the championship round at Homestead?
“Cole Custer, Matt Crafton, Tyler Reddick and Johnny Sauter are my bets to run for the Truck Series championship.”
–Hermie Sadler
“I like Erik Jones, Daniel Suarez, Ty Dillon and Bubba Wallace for the Championship Four at Homestead in the XFINITY Series. All have what it takes in a playoff format, and each has a team behind them that should get them there.”
–Adam Alexander
Who has the most to prove this year?
“Johnny Sauter is the driver with a chip on his shoulder, to speak, and has the most to prove than any other Truck Series driver this season. He should run very well with his new team at GMS.”
–Hermie Sadler
“The one with the most to prove in the XFINITY Series is Ty Dillon. Richard Childress Racing went to Victory Lane a lot last year, but Ty was left out. Elliott Sadler also needs to step up. He’s the veteran on his new team at JR Motorsports.”
–Adam Alexander
Who is the favorite this year for the title?
“My favorite for the Truck Series title is Daniel Hemric. He’s underrated as a talent, and Doug Randolph is one of the best crew chiefs in the business. Expect them to have a special year.”
–Hermie Sadler
“Common sense says you have to pick Erik Jones for the XFINITY Championship. He had two part-time wins last season. Not too bad.”
–Adam Alexander
