NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Who's Where in 2012? (Part 3)

RacIn' with Russ—Each year at this time, I dive into the many driver, crew, sponsor and paint scheme changes for next year. I’ll also throw in my predictions as to how well the various combos will fare. Either take some notes or save these articles to keep up with the many changes.

No. 18—Kyle Busch

The bad boy of NASCAR returns as the driver of this Joe Gibbs Toyota after a tumultuous 2011 season in all three of NASCAR's top divisions despite claiming numerous victories in each of them. The younger Busch brother won four Cup races and easily made the Chase only to fade quickly to last place among the Chasers by season's end. He'll return to his Gibbs ride with crew chief Dave Rogers aboard and perhaps after Gibbs and sponsor M & M's requested he not compete in the lower divisions, Busch may be able to concentrate more on a title shot in Cup. Interstate Batteries remains a secondary partner. I see more wins for the young driver, a spot in the Chase, but no title in his immediate future.

No. 20—Joey Logano

With crew chief Greg Zipadelli moving over to Stewart Haas racing, this young Gibbs driver needs to hook up with Jason Ratcliff as crew chief to prove his mettle as 2012 is his final year of contract and 2011 was not really a year to brag about (24th in points). Home Depot returns as the major backer with Dollar General a secondary partner with a few different paint schemes to brighten things up. With 2012 being his final contract year, Logano will have to get up on the wheel to keep his job. I give him a 50/50 shot at success.

No. 21—Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse Jr

These two talented young Roush-Fenway drivers may wind up sharing this Wood Brothers Cup ride depending on how sponsorship monies work out. After all, how could you deny last year's Daytona 500 winner a spot in this year's starting lineup? As Stenhouse comes off winning the Nationwide title, he qualifies for some Cup seat time during the 2012 season. I think both these drivers deserve a ride, yet sponsor and staffing have not been totally figured out as of this date.

No. 22—A. J. Allmendinger

It only took a few weeks to find a replacement for Kurt Busch with David Ragan and Allmendinger the two most likely choices. Last week, Allmendinger got the nod to take over the Shell/Pennzoil Penske Dodge for an unknown term. The ex-Petty team driver should gel well with this team, but he'll have to also get alone with teammate Brad Keselowski and crew chief Todd Gordon in order to do so. Good finishes? Yes, it's quite possible. Chase Spot? Unlikely the first year, but the ex-open wheeler may surprise us.

No. 24—Jeff Gordon

This four-time Cup champion scored his 85th career win last year and appeared to be headed in the direction of a fifth title until the Chase started. Then, the wheels came off the tracks and settled for eighth, one spot behind his winless teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gordon returns to his Hendrick Chevrolet with AARP and DuPont as the major backers with a new paint scheme. The clock is ticking for the 40-year-old veteran to land that elusive fifth cup, so he and crew chief Alan Gustafson need to get on the stick. If Gordon doesn't make it here, he could always land a breakdancing gig somewhere to support his family.

No. 27—Paul Menard

This Childress drivers highlight of last year was winning the Brickyard 400. The rest of the year was spent trying to stay among the leaders, to no avail. The Menard sponsored driver wound up 17th in points with four top-fives and eight top-10 runs. Along with crew chief Slugger Labbe, this combo should be good for more of the same stats as last season. His sudden departure late in the Richmond race allowing teammate Kevin Harvick to take the win away from Jeff Gordon will stay in the minds of drivers and fans for quite a while.

No. 29—Kevin Harvick

Harvick returns behind the wheel of this Childress Budweiser sponsored ride with a few minor changes to their paint schemes. Despite four wins and 19 top 10s, the Chase title seems to elude this California driver. Jimmie Johns and Rheem will also back the veteran racer en route to besting his consecutive third place points runs. Perhaps their new crew chief choice of Shane Wilson may move them closer to their goals.

From Rumorville

Ex-cup driver Jeremy Mayfield's life seems to continue to unravel with his $3 million home about to be foreclosed on. Throw in claims of high dollar theft and drug possession and Mayfield's next career may be spending time behind bars. It's a shame things have gotten this bad for what was a talented driver.

That's it for this week. Next week's RWR will continue with Who's Where (Part 4) and more racing news from around the globe. Happy New Year!!!!