The three-time Sprint Cup Series champion was unsuccessful in defending his 2011 title. In fact, it was a very up-and-down season for Smoke in 2012. His three victories were offset by shockingly poor finishes at some of his best tracks. It all added up to a 16 Top-10 finish campaign, which ranks among the worst of his career. The good news is that all that stands between Stewart and getting back to the top is finding some consistency. We’re not sure the No. 14 team has a handle on that quite yet. The last 10 races of last season showed as inconsistent a driver as Stewart had been all season long. His four Top 10’s during the Chase were offset by five finishes outside the Top 15. Stewart has the potential to climb the rankings, but he needs to rediscover that consistency first.

The reigning Nextel Cup champion will make another strong bid for the cup in 2006. Stewart's strengths are multi-fold and the #20 team has top notch equipment, so another championship could be in store this season.