NASCAR: 2008 Year in Review

Since 2008 was the first NASCAR season I've followed very closely, this is the first time I can comment with some detailed knowledge of the sport.

Driver of the Year: Kyle Busch

• He did not win the Sprint Cup championship, nor the most Sprint Cup races, but if we're talking about the best pure driver in the entire NASCAR series there no doubt that Kyle Busch is best in the business.
• 21 total wins: 8 Sprint Cup, 10 Nationwide, 3 Craftsman Truck
• He won on every kind of track there is: road course (3); short track, 1.5 mile, superspeedway

Most Improved Driver: David Ragan

• Finished just outside the Chase
• His performance probably solidifies his place at Roush-Fenway in favor of Jamie McMurray - Roush has to get rid of one team in 2010.

Most Disappointing Driver: Tie - Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon

• When you consider that these guys should have the same equipment as Jimmie Johnson, there's no good reason that they should each have multiple victories

Best Race: Spring Richmond race

• This race solidified Kyle Busch's place as the most-hated driver in the sport
• Also, nothing beats a night race at Richmond (ok, maybe a night race at Bristol)

Worst Race: Allstate at the Brickyard

• Nothing's worse than short green-flag runs and numerous cautions - this race had both