2001 NASCAR Winston Cup rookie crop, the deepest ever. Who will win ROY?

[Joe Fan]

With the addition of Kevin Harvick, the 2001 rookie crop looks to be one of the deepest talent-wise ever. Last year's rookie crop probably had more definite stars in Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kennseth, but this year's crop looks to be the deepest ever: Kevin Harvick, Casey Atwood, Kurt Busch, Jason Leffler, Andy Houston and Ron Hornaday. Wow! What a rookie crop. In my opinion, this is the reason to be watching Winston Cup over other series this year.

As far as picking a Rookie of the Year winner, I would say it is between Kevin Harvick and Casey Atwood. I think Kurt Busch and Jason Leffler have as much raw potential, I am not sure that they have the equipment that Harvick and Atwood have. Andy Houston and Ron Hornaday cannot be counted out either, and probably will outperform Busch and Leffler because of their experience, but I still think the ROY honors will come down to Harvick and Atwood.

[Heeltoe6]

Kurt Busch would be the prime choice if he can keep it off the wall and other cars

[John B]

If I recall correctly, a number of races aren't counted in the rookie standings, they get to drop a number of poor finishes? This might work to Harvick's advantage in giving him some time to learn the car and team without dropping too much ground in the race.

[Lee]

Joe, I don't know that there is anymore depth in this years crop of rookies, than last year's crop, but it does look as if it is as talented as last year's. I would like to see Andy Houston win the ROTY, but the season is still quite young, and it's still a toss-up, in my opinion.