Brendan Gaughan, Scott Lagasse poised for rookie battle

COMMENTARY
Toward the end of the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series season, I wondered if
there would be any rookies competing in 2009. Boy, was I wrong.
Turns out, there are seven drivers gunning for Raybestos Rookie of the Year
this season, and unlike last year’s top rookie and runnerup, five will run the
full schedule.
Three are with solid teams, which should give them a chance to prove their
worth. Which one will come out on top of the rookie race?
Brendan Gaughan.
No, wait, Scott Lagasse Jr. Yeah, Lagasse.
Nah, Gaughan. That’s my pick. And I’m sticking with it.
There are three other full-time rookies, Penske Racing's Justin Allgaier,
Germain Racing’s Michael Annett and RAB Racing’s John Wes Townley, but none has
the experience to compete with Gaughan or Lagasse - even though Annett could
surprise people this year. Also, JTG Daughtery Racing's Michael McDowell and
Roush Fenway Racing's Erik Darnell will compete part-time in the series in
2009.
Gaughan is a Cup veteran who has won in the Truck series, and he’s driving
for Rusty Wallace Racing. If RWR has its cars right, Gaughan could win this
year.
Gaughan has struggled the last couple of years and clearly wants to prove he
still has the talent that led him to Penske Racing’s Cup program for the 2004
season.
Lagasse has a full-time ride with CJM Racing, which should benefit from its
switch to Toyota and its alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing. At 28, Lagasse is
getting to be too old to be a development driver, so this is a key year for
him.
CJM won’t run in the top five every week, but Jason Keller proved the team
can do it on occasion. And if Lagasse can fulfill his potential, the No. 11
Toyota should run with Gaughan.
Still, in the end, Gaughan’s experience should be enough to help him win the
rookie title.
Or maybe Lagasse’s talent will overcome Gaughan’s experience.
No, it’s Gaughan. That’s my choice.
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