Ty Dillon's rookie season didn't go the way he anticipated.
Dillon had plenty of success in his rookie seasons in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series, but his first year in the Cup Series didn't yield many positive results. His best finish was 11th, and he finished 24th for the season.
However, Dillon said at the NASCAR Media Tour that he's feeling optimistic entering the 2018 season. The 25-year-old German Racing driver said he let his results get him too down in 2017, but he has a new perspective for the upcoming season thanks to the birth of his daughter.
"Having my little girl in the off-season helped put some things in perspective in my life and I have been trying to change my approach on some things," Dillon said via Motorsport. "I let the sport get me a little down, which sounds ridiculous in your rookie season."
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Dillon said he's confident in his ability, and he cited his ability to restart well as a factor that could benefit him this season.
"I know I have the ability to do it," Dillon said. "It's just making sure I stay in my process, stay in my lane and we're going to grow at Germain. Our cars are going to get better and I know some things that I'm going to do better that are going to be better than last year.
"I'm excited for the growth of this year, and now I feel like I'm finally getting a grasp on what it takes to have an opportunity at the top level."
Dillon's brother, Austin, had a breakout season a year ago, and Ty is hoping 2018 will produce a breakout year for himself as he attempts to win his first career Cup Series race and make the postseason.