Since we were just at Pocono, you know, a few days ago, I thought we'd take this chance to look at the odds on who would be in the 22 Shell/Pennzoil car in 2013. (In order of best to worst chance)
Sam Hornish Jr., 2:1 The odds-on favorite to take this ride. He brings everything AJ Allmendinger brought--marketable look, easy-going personality, and, most importantly, ZERO Cup wins. Also, I don't know about you, but after I Dinger, I usually feel Hornish.
Joey Logano, 5:1 He was heavily-hyped, earning the nickname "Sliced Bread". Then, after an early win, he went years without a sniff at a victory, earning the nickname "Burnt Toast". Now he's not quite a superstar, but has shown he has quality, so lets call him "Crouton" for now. By the way, I love how getting your first win in four years is a fluke for an unpopular driver, but is a sign that everything's coming together for a championship run for the most popular driver.
Ryan Newman, 12:1 Could Ryan go back to his first Cup team? Hey, Jamie McMurray did it, and he won three races once he returned to Chip Ganassi. So Flyin' Ryan could think about that, as long as he doesn't think about how Jamie Mac has done SINCE then.
Brian Vickers, 30:1 As the last man standing in last year's game of musical Cup rides, Brian has made the best of a bad situation, showing flashes of talent in a part-time ride for Michael Waltrip. And still, he could've been stuck sitting in that rickety old folding chair that never really works right, aka David Ragan to Front Row Motorsports.
Trevor Bayne, 40:1 Trevor's situation is still up in the air for 2013, and if he doesn't get a quality full-time ride soon, he's in danger of becoming the Phil Parsons of our generation. Hope he doesn't wind up working with the Michael Waltrip of our generation in 2035.
Regan Smith, 100:1 If Regan gets released from Front Row Motorsports, he could be worth a flyer by the Captain. Besides, at least ***INSERT JOKE ABOUT COMMUTE FROM DENVER, CO HERE***.
Ward Burton, 1,000:1 OK, so its not like Penske would go looking for him. But he could pull a George Costanza, show up for Daytona testing, and act like nothing's happened. "Whut? Ah always dwive thuh 22 cah." I wonder if he's Penske material or not?
Kurt Busch, 1,000,000:1 You get the feeling that Roger Penske would rather put a trained chimp or Kevin Conway in the car first. OK, OK, I was exaggerating a bit--not Kevin Conway.