After such a positive run in 2010 that nearly ended with a Sprint Cup championship, the 2011 season for Joe Gibbs Racing had it's fair share of ups and downs. There were joyous times of victory, but also a lot of times of frustration.
The year ended with two teams in the Chase, but neither team being a factor for the title.
Heading into 2012, expectations are already high for all the teams in the Joe Gibbs stable. Some new faces join the team to help bring some of the results up from a year ago, but all eyes are on the drivers to make something happen.
Let's take a look at the 2012 line-up for Coach Gibbs.
KYLE BUSCH: M&M's/Interstate Batteries Toyota
To say the 2011 season for "Rowdy" Busch was one that was chaotic would be a considerable understatement. There were many positives, including the win at the inaugural race at Kentucky, another trip to the Chase, and another multiple-win season under his belt. Not to mention the success of his first-year truck team, taking home the owner's title.
Unfortunately, all those positive moments were overshadowed when one decision took him out of contention not just for titles, but out of the car. His incident at Texas of intentionally wrecking Ron Hornaday, taking him out of the championship hunt, forced NASCAR to make the ultimate decision. That decision came one day later where NASCAR President Mike Helton decided, with agreement among officials, to park Busch for the entire weekend.
It also cost Busch his top sponsor, Mars Candy, for the final two races of the season. They returned to the car this year, but there is no question that Busch is walking a very thin line this season. It is highly possible that any more missteps from him could mean the end of his tenure at JGR.
We know he will win races, we know he'll contend for a title, but if he can maintain his temper and keep his attitude in check will be the biggest question.
DENNY HAMLIN: FedEx Toyota
Two years ago, Hamlin was on the cusp of winning his first Sprint Cup championship, which would have been the first for Gibbs since 2000. Unfortunately, that run ended with Jimmie Johnson hoisting a fifth straight title.
Expectations for Hamlin last season were high, as he was a title contender heading right into Daytona. Unfortunately, despite making the Chase once again, Hamlin only got one win on the season, and was not as consistent as he was in 2010.
Entering the new year, crew chief Mike Ford was let go of his duties atop the pit box, and was replaced with last year's champion crew chief, Darian Grubb. It is a learning curve for Grubb as his career has been working with Chevrolets, first with Hendrick and then the last three years with SHR. The experience in the garage should help Hamlin, and will give him more reason to get back on the winning bandwagon.
Possibly with Grubb's experience will give Hamlin the opportunity to deliver more trophies to the Gibbs shop.
JOEY LOGANO: The Home Depot/Dollar General Toyota
Let's face facts, from the moment Logano stepped behind the wheel of the No. 20, it was going to be a hard road to drive. The car he was piloting was driven by Tony Stewart, who drove the car to two championships, plus a Rookie of the Year title.
Last year, he began coming around and was looking more comfortable behind the wheel of the bright orange Toyota.
It will be his fourth season at the wheel of the No. 20, so the pressure to perform is still high. He may not be exactly "sliced bread" anymore, but the outer crust of his career is already gone. He's now at the heart of the sport and needs to show he belongs in that car.
The next-to-last preview for the Sprint Cup Series will be the only Dodge-backed team in the series, Penske Racing.
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