NASCAR is rolling out its newest model for the Sprint Cup Series this season, the Generation 6 car.

While that has led to a massive amount of research and engineering in the past several months, it is also something that should please several of the sport’s drivers.

From those who came up driving a variety of cars to men who just instinctively can drive anything they get into, which drivers will be favored by this change in car in 2013?
 

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• COMPLETE GEN-6 COVERAGE

Johnson has been a force to watch since the Car of Tomorrow model debuted in 2007 – not that he wasn’t before as well. But he seamlessly transitioned to NASCAR’s new model. In 2007, he was not slowed trying to figure it out and won in it five times. He continued to perform well in the model over the years and has won four championships and 32 races in it.
 

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IndyCar champ. Three-time Sprint Cup champ. Winner of a race in the 2007 limited debut of one car. Winner of championships in the old car, the Car of Tomorrow – and probably the Gen-6 as well. Stewart suffered through a disappointing 2012 season so he’s ready for a change of any kind. This model change just might be perfect for him. He won 16 races and a title in the years since the last model change. What will he do this time?
 

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Gordon won three races when the 2007 car debuted, showing his ability to adapt. He’s done that with car changes throughout his career – so why should this one be any different? Gordon won nine races after the last model change, finishing in the top 10 in the standings each season. The four-time champ has a background in a variety of cars, perhaps aiding his transition as NASCAR changes its car.
 

• WATCH DAYTONA 500: FEB. 24 on FOX

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In 2007, Kyle Busch gained headlines for winning the first race in NASCAR’s new car – and immediately showing his disdain for the vehicle. Don’t expect the same reaction this time as the Gen-6 model seems to be drawing higher marks across the board. Look for Busch to be a star in it. Forget the stats – this guy has shown the ability to drive anything, anywhere and has won races in NASCAR’ Cup and Nationwide cars as well as a Truck within days of one another. Adaptability could be his middle name.
 

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Hamlin has endured some up-and-down seasons in recent years, but don’t blame the car. He joined the list of first-year winners in car debuted in 2007 and has been winning ever since. Hamlin is as hungry for the Cup title as anyone in the garage. Like some others, a change in car could play right into his wheelhouse.
 

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What car change? Kenseth faces so much that is different that the model change won’t even really be a factor. After all, he was already shifting manufacturers as he bounced from Ford to Toyota. Joe Gibbs Racing is a team known to do its homework, and Kenseth has two savvy teammates to help them all stay on pace with this latest learning curve.
 

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Busch has nothing to lose. He understands the nuances of the cars and is a driver who can feel his way through a race, making his car better at each stop. He’s gelled with his Furniture Row Racing team. Now, his years of experience in a variety of cars and with a swath of team owners could play to his advantage. He knows how to adjust, and to do so quickly, to a car that feels quite different than what he is accustomed to driving.
 

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• COMPLETE GEN-6 COVERAGE

In 2007, Edwards won twice in the new car. In 2012, he didn’t win at all. Joining forces with old-school crew chief Jimmy Fennig gives Edwards an edge when it comes to finding the right feel in a car that offers a new sensation for a driver. Count on Edwards to have the chance to really rally this season as he brings his aggressive driving style to a car that is faster overall.
 

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Bowyer is as pure a driver as anyone in the garage. He still races dirt cars from time to time, moved from a Chevrolet to Toyota and found a new level of success in 2012. This transition favors Bowyer.
 

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• COMPLETE GEN-6 COVERAGE

Take a driver riding a lengthy winless streak, a team on the rise, savvy engineering and a teammate riding a career high and you have all the ingredients for a smooth move to the Gen-6 car. Truex won in 2007 in one of the first race’s with the Car of Tomorrow. Can another change get him back into Victory Lane?
 

• WATCH DAYTONA 500: FEB. 24 on FOX

• COMPLETE GEN-6 COVERAGE