Join me as we take a look at every NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year class from 1972 (the start of the modern era) through 2021, going from the worst to the first in terms of overall careers of each year’s rookie class.
2020
Cole Custer's rookie car
Winner: Cole Custer (Stewart-Haas). Runners Up: Tyler Reddick (RCR), Christopher Bell (Leavine), John Hunter Nemechek (Front Row), Brennan Poole (Premium), Quin Houff (StarCom). Aborted Attempts: Driver
How their careers turned out: Thanks to my ongoing series on this class, I probably know more about these half-dozen drivers than anyone else. Well, Reddick and Bell have turned into consistent race winners and championship contenders, while Cole Custer DOES have a Cup win to his credit. JHN will be making his Cup return this year, while Brennan Poole and Quin Houff could be anything from exclusive driver coaches to Chipotle assistant mangers for all I know.
“Fun” “Fact” about the winner: Writers everywhere are hoping Cole will announce his retirement in their lifetimes, just so they can write “Custer’s Last Stand” headlines.
Ranking: #17 out of 50
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