It may not be the most popular storyline describing Matt Crafton’s incredible season, but it is the most accurate.
Crafton had been nothing but consistent throughout the year. He put together strong and decent enough finishes in order to take the championship by almost a full race. This kind of performance hasn’t been seen before, making Crafton’s title run the more unique.
Recalling Daytona, Matt Crafton wasn’t on the pre-season favorites list. Mediocre seasons have made up most of the CWTS veteran’s career. No one thought to expect more out of him this year. Everyone basically wrote him off. He was the only one who could prove the doubters wrong and he did in commanding fashion.
Which of Crafton’s miraculous stats could tell the story of his season? His streak of top 10 finishes which began in Daytona and lasted until Chicagoland in September? His finishing every single lap the Truck Series turned in 2013? Maybe his taking the title by over 40 points? Each of these describes the work of a champion who fought long and hard for his glory. Crafton is one of the most deserving champions NASCAR has seen in years.
Putting together a season close to perfect is very difficult. Crafton skimmed the line of having a perfect season when he crossed the line at Homestead-Miami. His stats listed above look like ones out of a video game. They seem too good to be true. However, they are as authentic as authentic gets. Crafton earned each one of his accomplishments. Every lap he turned took him one step closer to achieving the one thing that has eluded him for so long: The championship.
It may have taken many years, but Crafton is finally on top of the CWTS. He put hard work in year after year and finally, the ultimate result prevailed in 2013. Crafton’s now a champion. No one can take that title from him. This was a year of redemption for Crafton as he showed everyone what he is capable of. He may not have been a favorite coming into this season, but he most definitely will be in 2014.
