2008 Preseason No. 30: Travis Kvapil

No. 28 Yates Ford

2008 Spin
This time last year, Travis Kvapil’s Cup career was on life support. Now, thanks to a timely break, it’s suddenly been given new life.

Last July, Robert Yates Racing was set to sign a partnership agreement with the Newman/Haas/Lanigan open-wheel organization, with Kenny Wallace the heir apparent to Ricky Rudd in the No. 88 Ford.

Wait. Strike that.

Next thing we know, Yates wants to retire, handing the championship-winning organization over to his son, Doug. Doug rebrands the organization Yates Racing and promptly signs a “technical agreement” with Roush Fenway Racing that provides for information, technology, housing, allowance, etc.

Just like that, the merger with Haas and Lanigan, along with Wallace’s chances to score the ride, proved dead as a doornail. In exchange for Roush’s help, Yates was “asked” to put their Truck Series driver, Travis Kvapil, into the seat being vacated by Rudd.

Sorry Herman, but business is business. And welcome back to the show, Travis!

Kvapil parlayed the 2003 Truck Series championship into a full-time Cup ride, running two seasons with woefully underfunded teams. With only two career top 10s to his credit, he was on the outside looking in by the end of 2006. However, a four-win Truck Series season in Jack Roush’s No. 6 F-150 earned Kvapil another shot in the bigs. This time, he plans to make the most of it.

“I’m definitely excited that Yates has a lot of support from Roush Fenway, as far as hardware and engineering and the marketing side,” Kvapil gushes. “I think it’s gonna help Yates become a little stronger.”

Kvapil’s car serves as a reminder of past success; Yates has given (read: sold) the No. 88 to Hendrick Motorsports and the Dale Earnhardt Jr. entry, allowing for the resurrection of the famed No. 28 that was once a legitimate championship contender. But just how legitimate this shot is remains to be seen. If Roush Fenway treats Yates Racing as Hendrick treats Haas CNC, there may not be much for Kvapil to remain upbeat about. If, however, the Yates two-car operation is given a fair shake (and some sponsorship), Kvapil could parlay his status in the top 35 into a decent showing. A lack of sponsorship, however, is this team's main concern.

Opposing Crew Chiefs’ Take
“Kvapil’s got talent, but it never seems to shine. He’s mentally prepared, but he doesn’t seem to be able to light the fire. There’s more in there, but it ain’t coming out. … He’s a nice guy, but I don’t think he’ll run better than 10th or 20th. I don’t think he’s stubborn enough. That’s the best way to put it. You’ve got to be able to handle yourself when you run with that class that’s out there. … I wouldn’t take Ron Hornaday to drive my Cup car, and he won the Truck championship. It’s a great series, but Kyle Busch goes over there and puts an absolute stomping on the field. That makes me question how well Kvapil’s going to do this time.”

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: Although he’s yet to contend for a win, his two top-10 finishes have come on short tracks.
Pretty Solid Pick: In Yates equipment he may stand a good shot at a pole on a plate track.
Good Sleeper Pick: His performance on the one- to two-mile tracks should improve if Uncle Jack throws some engineering know-how their way.
Runs on Seven Cylinders: Gotta be the roadies.
Insider Tip: After he sat out of Cup last year, it may take a few races for Kvapil to knock the cobwebs off.

For more in-depth driver news and hard-hitting features, order your 2008 Athlon Sports Racing Annual here.