Just How Many First Time Winners Will There Be In 2009?

(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images for NASCAR)

The 2009 NASCAR Sprint cup series schedule has seen its fair share of surprises but what might be most surprising is the number of first time winners.

Talladega’s spring race, the Aarons 499 saw a few crashes and a big crash at the end which leads to Brad Keselowski winning. His first NASCAR Sprint cup series win and car owner, James Finch’s first win in the series as well.

At the longest race of the season (which thanks to rain turned out to be one of the shortest) David Reutimann won the battle of rain and scored his first career win and Michael Waltrip’s first win as a car owner.

New Hampshire Motor speedway’s Lenox Industrial Tools 301 was also rain shortened and rookie Joey Logano became the youngest winner in the NASCAR Sprint cup series.

So just how many first time winners will there be this year?

Well only time will tell, but looking at some other win less drivers in the Sprint cup here are some picks that I think might have a legitimate shot to become another first time winner for 2009.

1.      Sam Hornish Jr.

Hornish had made a name for himself in the Indy Racing League (IRL) and last year made the change from open wheel to NASCAR.

Last year was not the best year for Hornish, but he gained information on all 22 tracks that the Sprint Cup series races at.

And this year so far, Hornish has had a better year than last year. Also he has found a type of track that he can race well at: flat tracks.

With five more flat track races left, including Indy, Sam Hornish Jr. seems to be in prime position to get a win this year. Also with Penske Racing's new engine package Dodge has made great improvements that could lead to a win.

2.      Marcos Ambrose

Another Michael Waltrip Racing/JTG Daughtery racer, this Australian is a great road course racer and has also been able to find his way around an oval or two.

In Sonoma Marcos Ambrose did not have the best practice session as he ended up spinning. But when Sunday rolled around, Ambrose rolled around the 11-turn course and finished in third.

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