There was no doubt that Clint Bowyer would be a star in the NASCAR world at some point in his career.

But few predicted his meteoric rise in the sport would come as quickly as it did.

In only his second full season as a NEXTEL Cup regular, Bowyer turned in an impressive year to say the least.

Bowyer and his Richard Childress racing Jack Daniel's Chevy team notched their first win, two poles, five top-five and 17 top-10 finishes, establishing themselves as one of the elite teams on NASCAR’s senior circuit.

His third-place finish in the final standings was the best of the three-car RCR team, with teammates Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick finishing the season eighth and 10th in points, respectively.

"It was a good year for the Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet," said the Emporia, Kansas native. "It was a successful year for us. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot and it was definitely a season we can build on."

Among the highlights of Bowyer's early career will be his first NEXTEL Cup win, which came in dramatic fashion in the Chase opener at New Hampshire International Speedway.

Bowyer credits that win with helping his team move into the upper echelon of the sport.

"I think our season was solid week in and week out but I think it really did change and turn for the better when we got our first win," Bowyer said. "That was the confidence booster that we needed and that propelled us to the next level."

The young driver reflected on his career year and his optimism for the future.

"Really satisfied," he said. "We did a good job. We really did. We came a long ways but we've got some more learning to do. We've got to be a better team to win a championship. You've always got to be better the next year and we're going to have to be better next year."

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