NASCAR Busts: Reed Sorenson

Another early 2000s NASCAR Cup prospect's career was ruined by the infamous Chip Ganassi Development Program...Reed Sorenson in some ways deserved better.
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[@cadillacjohn1994]

This was sad to see Sorenson struggle like he did. His and Montoya’s target schemes were my favorites. This is another classic example of why teams need to let their drivers develop as much as possible. Yes, he was always more of a partier than a worker, but he had a lot of potential to break through. Call this a hot take if you will, but if he was given at least another year to improve, I think he could’ve been an Xfinity champion, and he would still be around full time in Cup today. Unfortunately, because of being rushed up, and because he wasn’t concentrating hard enough, we’ll never know just how good Reed Sorenson could’ve been.

[@theaviationphotographer61]

for sure

[@cornflake2193]

​most busts are because they were rushed up to cup

[@theaviationphotographer61]

@@cornflake2193 fair

[@bradsanders407]

Montoya never raced the target car

[@cadillacjohn1994]

@@bradsanders407 Umm… what? Yes he did. Juan Pablo Montoya drove the 42 Target Chevy Impala from 2009-2013, winning Watkins Glen in 2010, and he also drove for Target in his first IndyCar stint in the late 90s. And also, this video was about Reed Sorenson, not Montoya.

[@it.zchristian4195]

Anyone else love that he's bring back the busts series, I low-key missed this series fr 😢

[@trent9581]

Need bad seasons back too.

[@toadsixeight]

And more not a busts

[@ryanocon31]

He needs to do Cody Coughlin next, he was a bust

[@SebrystianVettel]

need a bad season, good season, and championship season back

[@andrewchabot651]

Nothing like seeing someones dreams go up in smoke

[@arcticphoenix2789]

I remember Reed Sorenson in the mid 2000s. He had talent and looked like a star in the making. Unfortunately, his rise coincided with Ginassi's downfall.

[@MichaelS-kg9ci]

Don’t forget that he could’ve won the 2011 Nationwide Series championship if he wasn’t let go while he was Top 5 in the standings if I’m not mistaken. Glad to see he’s still in NASCAR as a spotter. I did not know that!

[@BrianIsTheGOAT594]

Reed Sorenson, just like Casey Atwood, J.J. Yeley etc., was all given up on WAY too soon. He won mulitiple Busch Series races, and seeing how successfull he was in that Series, it still hurts knowing he came that close to a win at I forget which track it was at running out of fuel with like 2 laps to go in 2006. Who knew what Reed could've done if Braun Motorsports or Turner Scott Motorsports kept him in the Dollar General #32 Chevrolet for the rest of the season. They let him go when he was 3rd in Points by the way even though he won a race for them, and sadly, because of that, Reed was skewed for the rest of the season. The last time we saw him in NASCAR, was back in 2020, when he drove for Tommy Baldwin Racing, and Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series.

[@bryonkidder6199]

Too soon? He was racing in the Cup Series last year or the year before...lol

[@BrianIsTheGOAT594]

@@bryonkidder6199 Chip Ganassi should've gave him more time to prepare in the Lower Series, and he didn't race in 2021 or 2022. His last start was in 2020.

[@Alex_Mac_]

JJ Yeley doesn't fit in that group. He never showed talent capable of winning races in the Busch series before coming to Cup despite having Gibbs equipment.

[@lpbbinc]

@@bryonkidder6199 Yea those cars have no chance of finishing in the top 25 though.

[@bryonkidder6199]

@@lpbbinc taking a seat that could've went to a younger driver and still finishing the same...btw

[@ST0NE_206]

I remember Reed Sorenson from his classic #41 Target scheme featured in NASCAR 09, I used it a few times to dominate the field at Martinsville. Good times man

[@DennyDeliversYT]

thinking about that time reed sorenson qualified a premium motorsports car on pole in round 1 qualifying at talladega

[@BrianIsTheGOAT594]

The man had the talent without a doubt.

[@teddyobrien4801]

When was that?

[@Monkey832]

@@teddyobrien48012016 fall

[@snuffynt]

I really liked Reed Sorenson, I was only around for his final few years in backmarker cars but he had some good moments in his earlier career. Hope to see him run something soon.

[@BrianIsTheGOAT594]

Those Target Paint Schemes from 2002 - 2017 are bangers!🔥

[@jaxonjaxoff3291]

Very frustrating. He had a solid rookie year, and a great Xfinity career.

[@lathanpankey2173]

Facts I understand the lower series is primarily there to develop the up and comers. But I really miss the days drivers would make careers there. Like what Mike Skinner, Ron Hornaday, & Matt Crafton did in trucks. Going against that experience will also show who’s REALLY ready for cup as well imo.

[@davidpeters2625]

It really was sad to see Ganassi, as a whole, especially during 2005-08 struggle. Sorenson, given what he could do in the Busch Series, I feel like got the worst out of it, especially after he left Ganassi..... a huge "what if" in recent NASCAR history

[@JackCallSports]

Reed Sorenson was not a bust He almost got mid Ganassi equipment to victory lane many times Was he a disappointment yes But not a bust

[@deaf2819]

I liked reed even nicknamed my newborn cousin after him. Reed was a bust, a kasey Kahne with less skill even less flavor.

[@siltstridersftw]

As a person who was cheering for Sorenson growing up, this hurts my heart. I will always say, he was moved up way too early and had so much bad luck. He should've stayed in the Busch Series full-time until 2010 then moved up into the Cup Series plus I have the '06 Target Dodge 1/24 scale in my collection. I will bring my 1/24 car to Martinsville in the fall, it would be cool to meet up with him and get it signed also thanks for telling me that he spots for Josh Williams so that's good so at least I know what car he works for.

[@Packersmania]

Dude won his first Xfinity race by like 15 seconds in a field that had Truex, Edwards and more so he definitely had talent. He just got rushed up the ladder way too quick because CGR needed something in Cup and was throwing whatever at the wall to see what stuck. A bust due to rotten luck, not lack of talent

[@wyzmotorsport664]

To complete the trinity of the bad Chip Ganassi Racing prospects of the mid to 2000, Darian needs to tackle Casey Mears next

[@doorsfan48]

Ganassi moved Mears up to soon and was like a C level team by the time Mears found his footing. He had three different crew chiefs in two seasons at Hendrick. When he was signed to drive the 25 Lance McGrew was crew chief and held that position into Probably January building some of Mears's cars. The car he used in the 07 500 was not even a new car built for him it was Brian Vickers's Talladega winning car from the season before. Sometime before the 500 Mcgrew was replaced with Darian Grubb. McGrew may not have been Casey's crew chief during the season but he held the position long enough to have an impact so should be counted. Grubb comes in late in game couldn't have been an easy way to start a season. Then the next year he's sent to the 5 doesn't click with Gustafson. My guess is Gustafson wasn't to happy about losing Kyle and Mears may not have been happy about losing Grubb. RCR was a C level team by 09 no one on that team was good that year. They bit off more than they could chew by adding a 4th team .Mears was outrunning his teammates in the points until they took away Todd Barrier and gave him Doug Randolph his third crew chief that year. I'm not saying he would have set the world on fire had things been different but if Dale Jr. hadn't gone to Hendrick, Casey's career could have taken a different path

[@wyzmotorsport664]

@@doorsfan48 i have a question Are you kamikaze games ?

[@doorsfan48]

@@wyzmotorsport664 lol no. I knew that would be the question though.

[@johnvandeventer8668]

I don’t think he would’ve won the championship if he was not let go in 2011

[@parker838]

I feel bad for Reed. Yes he underperformed in his cup equipment but I feel like he joined teams at bad times and were rebuilding. Did people atually expect him fix the teams. Reed was a decent driver but joined at a bad time and should have stayed in the xfinity series and been more competitive there instead of being rushed up.

[@corvetteracing4]

Dnt feel bad Reeds got a great life, him nd his family are biggg chillin

[@bruhmoment8107]

Chip Ganassi had some bad years in 2007-2008

[@birdman97]

^ I’d say the 42 was always pretty consistent between McMurray and Mears from 03-06. Montoya eventually got into the groove and even made the chase later on.

[@hhollyd66]

I always liked him. Sad the way it went for him. I think he was talented. They threw him away much to soon.

[@NASCARBullHaulerFan48]

Man, I haven’t seen Reed Sorenson in NASCAR for a while. I wonder what he’s up to

[@Pirateman493]

He's a spotter now.

[@jkspeed3677]

He did race the #55 part time in 2018 for Premium motorsports

[@NASCARBullHaulerFan48]

@@jkspeed3677 Yeah. I remember him racing the 55 part time in 2017 also.

[@noahcoleman5556]

He's Josh William's spotter in Xfinity

[@Jadonelijah2010]

Let’s appreciate what what Black Flags Matter does for us

[@AutoRockinRacing94]

IMO the most anticipated Bust video is here

[@bluerupeecollector555]

Finally back in full song with the busts series. That’s how I found this channel years ago so I’m glad it’s back!

[@fhm2]

I remember the first season my mother and I followed Nascar. We were always looking for Reed Sorenson at the bottom of the list, just to point out that he was there.

[@iagofreitas910]

Sadly but is the truth... 😢 Btw he was respectable in Xfinity Series, more sense he's a bust in Cup Still miss Sorenson in track... Could be the 2011 Xfinity Champion if wasn't shuted down by Turner

[@toyotafan7881]

Can we get a Bad Seasons: Carl Edwards (2006) since we see a lot of 2006 NASCAR footage in here?

[@NASCARFAN93100]

We also need a Bad Seasons: Greg Biffle 2006 because he was even worse than Edwards Even with 2 wins

[@silenceenigma587]

Nice touch having Deftones in the background. I just can't help but feel bad for Reed

[@NASCARFAN93100]

It's a shame how 2011 ended for Sorenson

[@ToopyAndBinooRulesEst2004]

It’s so sad to Reed Sorenson fall so far from where he was when he joined 2 teams that are defunct today, but while he’s a bust today, I almost forgot about him.

[@citizenoftheyearCC]

1:10 Slight correction - Only Carl Edwards who finished ahead of him in points was running full time in Cup at the time, so he would have finished 3rd.

[@GoBucs76]

Loved those Target paint schemes though. Chip replacing Sterling with David and then bringing in Reed, was a move a questioned back when it happened. I feel like it really set the teams back big time.

[@zaymclovin4178]

Bust? No Disappointment? Yes Good Xfinity Driver? Hell yeah. His stint with Turner could’ve been something. But then they pulled the plug on the 2011 season

[@Ultimate23Dragon]

Honestly I knew Sorenson would be a bust in 2005. Like Stremme, a NASCAR Bust video on him was a long time coming.

[@sirspoonyr]

Sorenson wasn’t a bust in my eyes, he just had absolutely woeful luck throughout his career.

[@BenDabbin300]

FINALLLY!!!! been waitin for you to bring this series back

[@SharDarksoul]

I approve of a Deftones background tune.

[@highoctanecards]

I don't think Sorensen is a bust. I think it is more missed opportunity. Looking at the highlights you've shown, it appears most of his crashes in the 41 were either mechanical or tire failure or someone helped him spin. Yes JPM did win in the same equipment, while Stremme struggled for top 20's, Reed was right in the middle. The GEM/Petty cars were even worse that the CGR cars at the time. I'd say in Cup, Yeley, Leffler, Stremme, Gilliland, Atwood and Bliss during this era were much bigger busts.

[@corduroycal]

Honestly watching a lot of those clips it doesn’t seem like he was a bad talent, but he had horrific luck

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

Yep could've been the next big thing just like Stephen Leight.

[@pionelpessi1022]

Please do Dario Franchitti next.

[@goaliecalledmike]

Sorenson is a really unfortunate case to me. He was never a bad driver, but his career was cut short by bad luck, bad timing with the team, and as in a lot of cases, being rushed to Cup before he was ready.

[@CantingWall3286]

You forgot to mention when he led the first round of qualifying at the Talladega fall race in 2016

[@zachmoore4550]

I love you’re using Deftones “Change in the house of flies”

[@iamsplit45]

love how Changes by Deftones is playing in background lol

[@mackblack7686]

1:22 I have to push-back on this as the 40 was historically Ginassi's flagship team and the 42 was the best the past three years

[@g_men2121]

Funny u posted this. I bought a 600 card lot of nascar cards. There was an autographed reed card! Thats funny

[@Alex_Mac_]

I thoroughly believe Reed had all the talent to win races like any of the other names in Cup, but never got the equipment to do it. He was at Ganassi at their worst, and the 43 wasn't worth anything either. If he was driving for a team capable of winning he would've won races.

[@xx_theartfuldodger_xx1105]

Deftones background music? YES

[@averyhamilton4945]

I actually a die cast Reed Sorenson car. The one he won with at Nashville, the raced version. I remember I saw that one, and just had to have it.

[@sportsfan09yt]

I miss the target cars

[@caseydean5751]

Reed was so talented, I wonder how he would have done in top tier equipment

[@Metal_junk]

I honestly just remember him as a backmarker in those unsponsored cars.

[@lpbbinc]

I totally forgot that he drove the 43 car. So many drivers in and out of that car during those years

[@JReaLBiz86]

I watch these "busts" videos because these are names that became household staples, even if we're only talking about mid-pack runners or "field fillers". However, the other reason I watch these is because, even thought many of these drivers never found success in the Cup series, they're still incredible drivers. Take, for instance, 4:14. Most drivers losing their car in that part of a corner, with another driver going around them in the higher groove, are gonna destroy two race cars. Reed not only stayed off the 5, but he nearly caught his car altogether, only losing it when hitting the apron. And even after that (and a large amount of luck), he stayed off off any other car, AND the wall. I have a high level of respect for any and all drivers who make it to Cup. Yes, there are some who seemingly don't belong. But to me, it's those moments where all seems lost and a driver manages to bring it back to the garage in one piece that prove that they're worthy of mention. You have to be a pro to lose a car and not wad it up, especially on an oval. Does it make you a champion? No. Can you still be considered a bust? Absolutely. But nobody can deny that you are a race car driver. Reed never flourished in Cup. But, to me, that puts him in company with a ton of very talented drivers who either mishandled their opportunity, or just weren't as good as the incredible drivers everyone loves talking about.

[@Nikadeemus88]

This video should be called Compilation of Reed Sorenson blowing tires.

[@Dat-Mudkip]

Sorenson had one of those carrers that pisses me off. He was a good driver in Busch, but between bad luck and bad equipment he suffered a lot in Sprint cup racing. Waste of talent if you ask me.

[@Smashvillain]

This one hurts. Still got his #39 Discount Tire diecast on display.

[@chrisguardiano6143]

A suggestion for a future F1 busts video is Michael Andretti's brief run with McLaren 30 years ago because it was absolutely awful & he left the team with 3 races to go.

[@visionnr2004]

I wonder what would had been had he been given another season in the Busch Series, would had a much better time in the Cup Series, didn't help that the Ganassi cars sucked during that time, wondered if he could had done better than Mears in the 25 in '07

[@rylanolson4052]

Thank You!!

[@AEMoreira81]

Sorensen was rushed WAY too fast to Cup. No way he should have been in Cup at age 21.

[@joeshelton1077]

I feel so bad for Reed Sorenson, he wasn't very good in the NASCAR Cup Series like I thought he would.

[@dylanmohr6635]

Thanks for doing Reed Sorenson for me now can you do the other nascar busts that I sent you nascar busts David stremme please?

[@e93sports80]

He did David Stremme already.

[@DrSamwpepper]

one of the ORGINAL Motorpsorts china members. #NiHao

[@cameronchiesa1031]

Reed was a favorite of mine and was really talented I thought. He was rushed by Chip and that program was terrible during that 2005-2008 era.

[@hunternixonfishing2500]

Sorenson tore it up in the Busch series back in the day. But man he shit the bed once he got to cup

[@ollieminecraft]

He had so much potential, but was rushed.

[@SuperNASCARrocks]

Sorenson deserved better than what he had.

[@Ally_Rayne6]

Actually the DNQ wasn't Sorenson's fault. The transmission wouldn't get into gear. So, thankfully Fitz-Bradshaw and Sterling Marlin worked it out for Reed to drive the 40

[@DuckRacer4jr]

I remember buying his rookie diecast at my first cup race in 06 at dover. Do not remember why bought the diecast.

[@triciamcconnell3959]

We forgot to add that 1st round miracle he had in the 55 car at I think it was dega

[@JayT10200]

I got my David Stremme bust video, now Reed Sorenson.

[@sportsfan09yt]

That makes.montoya the last 2007 ganassi.driver to not have a Nascar bust video.on the channel

[@captainbook2953]

My Father thought Reed Sorenson was going be good Racer into he went small Race teams.

[@e93sports80]

Gone Too Soon: Ayrton Senna

[@noahcoleman5556]

"Reed sOrEnSoN wAiTiNg iN tHe wInGs." - Dave Burns

[@conniebelanger2141]

Not defending Reed But,and there’s always a But! Are we sure chip Ganassi isn’t the real bust here? They were a level two team with four star sponsors. Level one being our beloved field fillers,Bless they’re hearts 💕

[@patrickracer43]

The only three drivers Chip Ganassi managed to actually develop into successful cup drivers were Jamie Mac, Juan Pablo Montoya and Kyle Larson, the latter two being generational talents who can literally be successful in anything you put them in

[@churchgest]

That Deftones instrumental tho

[@Joshua8824Racing]

I remember meeting Reed in 2018 when he drove for Premium Motorsports in Las Vegas.

[@lefreeman3283]

Was such a huge fan of his when he came along. Him and Denny both. They were always gona be my favorites. He was even higher rated n won more than Denny their first cpl years n Nationwide. Wish he would have had a chance in better equipment n Cup Series. I hate to say he is a bust but as touted as he was and great as he was first year or 2 n nationwide I guess he has to be. Been waiting for u to do this one

[@sametozkan9175]

I wish he should have been joined RCR the 07 team in 2010.

[@chancegheno8096]

In all fairness to Reed Sorenson and David Stremme them turning into bust wasn't all on them, I'd say it was because of Chip Ganassi Racing rushing them up to cup with all the changes they made for '06 with Casey Mears jumping from the #41 to the #42 to Sterling Marlin and Jamie McMurray leaving. If CGR was a little more patient Stremme and Sorenson's career's could have turned out a little different

[@kcbob8004]

Unfortunately for him Ganassi's cup program was just not up to par those years. No amount of young hot talent can compensate for that and you will only wreck equipment trying.

[@johnbrown3947]

Should have got with a team such as Jr motorsports in Xfinity and probably had a much different career. Like elliott sadler , or ted musgrave in trucks

[@chada75]

8:30 A little bird who was in the NASCAR cup machine said that "It's a bad idea to mess with other men wives." Take it what you will.

[@Pittsburgh-Kid.]

NASCAR busts: Eric Cartman South Park “poor and stupid” S14 E6

[@1forallful]

Say, BFM! I spotted another potential bust in this video, as well. Maybe David Gililand? He was partially responsible for the death of Robert Yates Motorsports, after all.

[@NGPG]

The first driver I ever played as in a NASCAR video game.

[@Al8181]

The song in the backround is just perfect for a badass nascar video.

[@FMecha]

Sorenson also refused to give in to the Premium Motorsports' non-charter owner points battle scheme at 2019 season finale (he was in the Spire #77 at the time, back when the team was still a charter broker).

[@1992cdwilliams]

You should do a video about Rick Crawford and a more nascar bust videos and not sure if Jeremy Mayfield was a nascar bust

[@allen1854]

Still waiting on the Hailey Deegan Bust video

[@thefranchise4698]

I liked Reed Sorenson given the fact he was from Ga like myself. Ganassi needed to give him more time in Xfinity. The organization as a whole was joke during Reed's time there

[@ChrisBl33p]

Turner Motorsports: we know you are in a position to win the championship but we don't want you to. You're fired. Everyone: visible confusion

[@Pwrsongs]

What about this Fine Drive sticker? LOL

[@ChrisBl33p]

@@Pwrsongs cultured, thou art

[@judewhite4401]

This is something I’ve been wanting to get off my chest for a long time: You need to do NASCAR Busts: Kyle Benjamin. I used to root for the dude when he raced some races for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series in 2017, but he hasn’t been heard from in NASCAR since, like 2018.

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

Except he's not really a bust since he never raced full time.

[@judewhite4401]

Good point. Still, I always wonder: what happened to him?

[@cadillacjohn1994]

@Black Flags Matter is it possible that your next video could be revisiting Juan Pablo Montoya or a requiem for Jerry Nadeau?

[@austinstitzel]

Request: bad seasons: Dale Jarrett 2003

[@damnmarkey]

I believe Reed would been a better driver if he had a veteran teammate to help out.

[@codypet2110]

Like perhaps not letting Sterlin go?

[@damnmarkey]

@@codypet2110 To be honest. He wasn't the same after broken his neck in 2002.

[@toddmanger7194]

7:02 god damn i miss old phoenix!!!

[@nascarsteve]

Another example of rushing a driver into Cup and he wasn't ready and never panned out. Didn't help that Ganassi was garbage at the time either.

[@TurnLeftMotorsports]

I remember seeing him at MIS and I thought he was gonna be going to be legit, sucked to see his career not live up to the hype.

[@Cynon]

I swear you did a video on him already, though that could just be my imagination