NASCAR: 2008 Predictions

The 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is set to open on February 17, 2008 with the 50th running of the Daytona 500 from Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Fittingly, Jimmie Johnson will start from the poll and set out to defend his 2007 Cup Series Championship. He will face stiff competition across the board. It will indeed be another fun and exciting season.

When it is all said and done, when the checkered flag is waved on November 16, 2008 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to complete the 2008 season, this is how I see the drivers stacking up...

1) Tony Stewart - No. 20 - Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota

The former 2-Time Cup Series Champion is too talented to win only three races like he did in 2007. Stewart was a model of consistency last year finishing 98% of total laps and accumulating 23 top-10 finishes in 36 races. Expect to see Stewart sporting his new mullet in victory lane plenty this season.

2) Jimmie Johnson - No. 48 - Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet

The defending Cup Series champion finished 2007 with a Cup Series high of 10 wins. He is also a closer, winning 4 of the final 5 races to take home the trophy. Expect Stewart, Johnson, and Gordon to be interchangeable in the standings until the end.

3) Jeff Gordon - No. 24 - Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet

Gordon, a 4-Time Cup Series Champion, is the face of the sport and is one of the best to ever strap on a helmet. Expect more of the same from Gordon this season. He has no weaknesses having won on all types of race tracks including road courses, short tracks, and superspeedways.

4) Carl Edwards - No. 99 - Roush Fenway Racing - Ford

 
5) Matt Kenseth - No. 17 - Roush Fenway Racing - Ford

6) Dale Earnhardt Jr. - No. 88 - Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet

Earnhardt Jr. is a talented driver who had to endure a split from DEI, Inc and a Cup Series high 9 DNF’s in 2007. The move to Hendrick Motorsports by Earnhardt, Jr. was the story of the year last season. Last season Hendrick’s four drivers finished 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 15th. Sharing equipment, race data, and knowledge with the likes of Johnson and Gordon will pay dividends early and often for Earnhardt Jr.

7) Kurt Busch - No. 2 - Penske Racing - Dodge

 
8) Denny Hamlin - No. 11 - Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota

 
9) Kevin Harvick - No. 29 - Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet

 
10) Kyle Busch - No. 18 - Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota

 
11) Jeff Burton - No. 31 - Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
 

12) Kasey Kahne - No. 9 - Gillett Evernham Motorsports - Dodge

Kahne is my dark horse. He clearly struggled last season finishing in 19^th place, however, he is just two years removed from a Cup Series high of 6 wins in 2006. Expect a bounce back season.

On The Rise: Juan Pablo Montoya

The 2007 Rookie of the Year is one of the best drivers in the world regardless of what type of car he operates. He can only get better as his knowledge of stock cars and his experience at the different tracks grows. Expect an improvement on his 20^th place finish in the point standings.

On The Decline: Clint Bowyer

I am convinced Bowyer’s third place finish in the Cup Series last season was a fluke. Bowyer had only 17 top-10 finishes in 36 races in 2007. Zero DNF’s was proof that luck was also on his side.

Rookie of the Year: Dario Franchitti

Franchitti will be the best of this year’s sub-par rookie class. The 2007 Indy Racing League Champion will endure a huge learning curve in his first full season on the circuit, however, he is in a great situation with Chip Ganassi Racing. He will have Juan Pablo Montoya to lean on in the garage.

Comeback of the Year: Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

See Above.

Biggest Story of the Year: Toyota

Expect Toyota to make a big splash this season after a disappointing 2007 campaign. With Joe Gibbs Racing on board with the likes of Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin you can expect to see Toyota in victory lane on multiple occasions this season. Unlimited financial resources and the racing knowledge and strategy brought over by Joe Gibbs Racing will progress Toyota into a force to be reckoned with.