DOUGLASS: Previewing the 2014 Jack Links Roster

The Jack Links Developmental Series is the highest level of stock car racing BEFORE reaching the Coca-Cola Cup Series. In baseball terms, think of the Jack Links Series as Triple-A baseball, while Coca-Cola Cup is the majors. And believe me - if a driver cannot win in Jack Links, then they generally will STRUGGLE in Cup. But there are some exceptions to the rule, such as Kenny Riggs in the #2, but that deserves an asterisk since Riggs spent his Jack Links career in underfunded equipment.

Regardless, nearly every single driver in Cup today started out in Jack Links. So needless to say, if you care about seeing which drivers will be future superstars and which will be busts, this will be must-watch TV! In addition, several Cup drivers generally run in the series (although they are not eligible for championship points), which is a great measuring stick for the prospects to see where they stand.

Every driver has a different story as to how they got to their current point in their career. Being the first season of NASCAR coverage on Instagram, let's introduce the drivers of the Jack Links Series!

## 00 - Rebecca Rush (R), Age: 18, Anthony Rush Racing (Ford)

"Mark my words, she is a future champion." Having anyone say this about you at the age of 18 can spark immense pressure. Add in the fact that a 3x Cup Champion is the one who said this about you is even more nervewracking. And, oh yeah, that certain someone is their very own father, Anthony Rush.

That is exactly what Rebecca Rush faces as she enters the sport. The daughter of Anthony Rush has been racing for over a decade, but despite the nepotism that one may perceive to be in play, Anthony has made it clear many times that he would only let Rebecca race in NASCAR if he believed she was talented enough. Rebecca has won many races and track championships, proving she has the ability to win on the short track scene. But NASCAR is a whole different ballgame. Intermediates, superspeedways and road courses make up the schedule in addition to short tracks - making the transition to these heavy, high horsepower stock cars a daunting task for ANY driver entering the sport. Add in having the last name 'Rush' and having to prove that you're more than nepotism, and you better believe Rush is ready to prove her worth. Rush is very brash and to-the-point (a chip off the old block, eh?), and many pundits believe she will be one to watch based off her performance thus far.

## 02 - Calvin Warren (R), Age: 21, Brian Barnwell Racing (Chevy)

Up next are the newest driver and team on the block. Brian Barnwell, a millionaire businessman and investor, has spent the last two years preparing this team - an anomaly considering how most new teams rush into the sport after scrapping together a crew in a few months. Barnwell runs his team just like his businesses; smooth, calculated, and with the long-term picture in mind.

With that in mind, Barnwell tapped Calvin Warren to drive for the team's debut season. Barnwell had followed Warren since 2012, helping fund his career in late models and lower tier stock car racing, all in an effort for this moment. While Warren does not have the most flashy stats compared to his peers, Warren is beyond his teenage years, and has always been said to have an "old soul" in terms of maturity. Having more wisdom compared to those around you can go a long ways in racing - but does the Barnwell-Warren combo have what it takes to win races?

## 1 - Cade Matthews, Age: 19, James Price Motorsports (Chevy)

If you've seen the name "Matthews" on the all-time wins list, you may have guessed correctly that Cade Matthews is the son of the retired legend Ricky Matthews. Cade is entering his second season, scoring his first career win during his rookie campaign. However, pace was not the concern for the second-generation driver - in 12 starts, he recorded a staggering FIVE DNFs. Quite frankly, a repeat performance in that regard will not be tolerated at James Price Motorsports. The good news like I mentioned, though, is that Matthews was able to reach victory lane and had several impressive Top 5 runs. Still being a teen could be a potential excuse for Matthews, but the DNF rate of nearly 50% is still concerning enough to be the main storyline to watch for this season.

## 2 - Bruce Evans, Age: 25, Brooks King Racing (Chevy)

A 25 year old in a developmental series with ZERO Cup starts is definitely a red flag. Add in the fact that Evans has ZERO career wins in Jack Links, and one may as well wonder why BKR even bothered giving Evans a third season in this car. Evans has no famous last name, no funding to give, and as far as I know, no dirt on the team owners, so it really is a perplexing case. However, perhaps there is one factor that may justify Evans still having a ride - his experience. In a series filled with young drivers aged 18-22, perhaps BKR wanted to keep an older driver in their underfunded car in an attempt to keep the damage repair bills as low as possible. Regardless, if Evans wants to be a serious contender moving forward, he'll have to find a way to win or at least be a Top 5 car at a minimum. Perhaps the large influx of rookies this season in particular is the opportunity he needs.

## 6 - Tyler Diaz (R), Age: 19, Peterson-Young Developmental Team

Yes, Peterson Motorsports and Michael Young Racing collaborate with a dual-owned team in this series, meaning they share the prospects they sign. While that might mean more turmoil between the two teams on the Cup side, for drivers, that just means more opportunities to land a ride in the Cup Series. Diaz is a four-star prospect that some argue could be a five-star prospect, and perhaps even more intriguing to team owners, Diaz has gone up the lower ranks through short tracks, road courses, AND dirt racing. That is practically unheard of amongst teenage drivers! And even better, Diaz won in all three disciplines too. This made Ford more than comfortable giving Diaz a developmental deal at just age 15, and now four years later with two part-time starts in 2013 under his belt, Diaz is ready to prove that last names and money are not needed to be a successful driver.

## 7 - Ross Dawson (R), Age: 21, James Price Motorsports

Perhaps a late bloomer to some, Dawson struggled to succeed for a few years after running very well to begin his racing career. However, Dawson rekindled the flame in 2013, and won over HALF of the 112 races he entered across the country. That was more than enough for James Price to give Dawson a shot in the Jack Links Series, as he won out over Jarrett Taylor Motorsports and Brooks-King Racing to sign Dawson. Many believe Dawson is the best prospect to enter the sport in 2014, while others are more cautionary with Dawson due to a lack of winning prior to 2013. Regardless, this is James Price Motorsports, so if Dawson has any sort of talent, you better believe this 7 team will be in contention to win races and championships.

## 9 - Chris Shore, Age: 29, James Price Motorsports

Chris Shore is certainly not a prospect at this point. In fact, he is the defending champion of the series after edging now-Cup rookie Ryan Watts for the title. After finishing 2nd in points in 2005 to Alex Smith in the 16 car for Peterson, he earned the promotion to the Cup Series to run the 17. That's about the only thing that went well for Shore in Cup. 19th, 18th, 15th, 20th, and 19th place points finishes (the latter three in the 3 for King Racing), with 0 wins to boot, proved that Shore was not capable of running well in Cup. However, James Price gave Shore a shot to restart his career in 2011, with a full-time ride in Jack Links as the team wanted to add a veteran to it's stable. With three seasons under his belt in the 9, Shore has won 4 races and the championship last season, proving that he is more than just a Cup bust. While Shore's days of Cup racing are all but behind him, he's made a solid career as a Jack Links lifer, and is the favorite to win the title once again in 2014.

## 16 - Lamar Fitzgerald (R), Age: 19, Peterson-Young Developmental Team

Lamar Fitzgerald has only heard two things his entire career: "Checkered flag, Fitzgerald wins again!" and "Fitzgerald can only run the bottom. He is doomed if you force him to run the top." Fitzgerald is an incredible prospect, but ever since he started racing at just 5 years old, he has always carved the bottom of the track, even if it was not the preferred line. An easy-going guy off the track, Fitzgerald never lets the critics faze him despite his lack of interest (and unfortunately, ability) to rip the top if need be. While most short tracks are bottom-lane dominant, NASCAR has many tracks where the top is a viable line, and even the only line that's available to run. Fitzgerald is poised to win often in NASCAR, but one has to wonder if he will ever be able to run the top.

## 19 - Pat Sparks (R), Age: 18, Jarrett Taylor Motorsports

It's not every day that you hear a two-star prospect has a shot in a full-time ride at just 18 years old, but perhaps for good reason - Sparks is primarily a road course driver thus far in his career. However, he ran his first oval race just last year, and won on debut. Loving the craft of oval racing, Sparks spent 2013 racing on ovals all over the Carolinas in addition to his road-racing events. Although he could have jumped into open wheel racing with ease given his exceptional road racing ability at just 18, Sparks decided oval racing was his true passion, and signed a developmental contract with Jarrett Taylor Motorsports. Sparks will be a project given his lack of oval experience, but Taylor hopes to prove that Sparks is capable of being a Cup driver as well. Speaking of which, although nothing is confirmed, do not be shocked if Sparks gets a one-off at a Cup road course event later this season at either Kalamazoo or Oakland. If so, you heard it here first.

## 20 - John Perry, Age: 21, Jarrett Taylor Motorsports

John Perry is entering his third season with Jarrett Taylor Motorsports. However, with two wins under his belt, people know that Perry is not a Jack Links bust, but many wonder if Perry will ever get the promotion to Cup? The problem with Perry is that he struggles to run well against the Cup drivers who dip down to race in Jack Links. Just look at his two wins: his first was at Talladega, and his second came last season in a stand-alone race with ZERO Cup drivers entered. Perry has finished Top 5 in points in 2012 and 2013, but has not been a serious contender in the championship battle. While some have suggested he could be a solid Jack Links lifer like Chris Shore, let's not forget that Perry is still just 21 years old. The previous driver of this car, Darren Berry, broke through to win the championship in his third season. Perhaps the third time will be the charm for Perry? With a massive crop of rookies this season, this year could be the make-or-break season for Perry to see if he's truly a Cup caliber driver.