Although the rookie didn't win any races in 2016, Elliott was far better than most imagined with two poles, 10 Top-5 and 17 Top-10 finishes in his rookie campaign. The driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet had a couple near brushes with victory throughout his first full season of racing at NASCAR's top level, so it wasn't like Elliott was way off from winning. He'll return to an intact team, and the same crew chief in 2017 to build on what they started last season. Alan Gustafson gave this young driver some great guidance and will again get to mentor with Elliott in the crew chief-driver relationship. Although most could be wary of a sophomore slump, we really don't see this driver and team in that realm of possibility. Elliott should continue his upward trajectory in the upcoming season and challenge the 10th-place finish he posted in last year's final driver standings.

With Jeff Gordon's retirement, we'll see a new face inside the No. 24 Chevrolet of Hendrick Motorsports this season. The long-awaited debut of Bill Elliott's son is at hand. Elliott is coming off two stellar campaigns in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The 19-year-old won three races and won the championship in his rookie 2014 season. Elliott followed that up with a one-win, 27 top-10 and runner-up finish in the standings last season. He's done all he can do at that level and now he's ready to take over one of the premier rides of the Sprint Cup Series. Elliott will pair with Gordon's old crew chief, Alan Gustafson, and look to develop chemistry right away. When looking to forecast this talented youngster upcoming season, Kyle Larson's rookie 2014 season comes to mind. 6-8 top-5 finishes and 15-18 top-10s are well within the realm of possibility. Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 is a foregone conclusion.

Signed a development driver contract with Hendrick Motorsports in February 2011. Elliott will continue to race in lower racing series until he meets NASCAR's age requirements. The son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott is carving out quite a reputation in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and USAR Pro Cup Series. Elliott will turn 17 in 2013 and inch closer to a truck series or Nationwide Series driving gig.