Chip Ganassi Racing Regrouped and Ready to Roll in 2014

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(L-R) Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 McDonalds/Cessna Chevrolet, Felix Sabates, co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, and Steve Lauletta, president of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, speak with the media during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour at Charlotte Convention Center on January 28, 2014 Photo - Grant Halverson/Getty Images

(L-R) Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 McDonalds/Cessna Chevrolet, Felix Sabates, co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, and Steve Lauletta, president of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, speak with the media during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour at Charlotte Convention Center on January 28, 2014
Photo – Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Chip Ganassi Racing has been waiting a long time for 2014. The team will be introducing their young-superstar in Kyle Larson to the Sprint Cup Series. Larson is a very talented driver which is why CGR has put so much emphasis on this California kid. His rookie season is going to say a lot about this team since they may have picked up the next NASCAR great. Could Daytona be the start of a return to glory for CGR? There are definitely possibilities.

Jamie McMurray

2014 will allow McMurray to take a leadership role at CGR. Unlike Juan Pablo Montoya, it seems as Kyle Larson is more open to learning from his teammate. Larson has already said that he plans on asking McMurray for some advice. McMurray will be able to help grow CGR through this leadership role. He could assist the team even more if he can put together a season like he had in 2010. The success he had then hasn’t been there over the past few years. However, the fresh start this team is getting in 2014 could aid McMurray in possibly being very competitive again.

My Prediction: McMurray will experience a similar season to the last few where he never seems to be competitive. He won’t make the Chase as a win won’t fall his way, making the season an overall disappointment.

Kyle Larson

Larson is one heck of a talent. His success in Sprint Cars has brought him to the attention of the NASCAR world rather quickly. In 2014, the spotlight will be shining on Larson. He has only competed in one full-time Nationwide Series season, making people wonder if he is ready for the Sprint Cup level. He is a gifted racer, but lack of experience is what he will be up against for most of the year. For Larson to show everyone that experience doesn’t matter, he will need to show strength in 2014. Success will need to come for the No.42 team and they will have to do it under the watchful eye of sport. Larson is a great racer, but can he come in and do great things with little time behind the wheel of a stockcar? That million-dollar question will be answered as the season unfolds.

My Prediction: 2014 will have its up and its downs for Larson. He will be highly competitive in the Rookie of the Year race, but he may lose out on the award due to inconsistency. It wouldn’t be a surprise to me if Larson has a really good run, but can’t back the good run up the next week. He won’t be in position to grab a win, but one or two top five’s may come his way.

A lot is different at CGR in 2014. With the revival of the former team name and addition of Larson, the team is looking through a different window than in years past. The new outlook they have may break the typical team cycle of having a disappointing year. The new Chase rules are made for a team like CGR who can steal a win and make the Chase. To accomplish the feat, gambles will need to be taken. Racing is a risky sport and CGR is in need of taking a risk this season.