On the old FX message board, we used to have something we played for bragging rights, called “Out On A Limb.” I’m going out on a limb, in fact, a couple of pretty springy ones, in trying
to make some slightly educated guesses about what the second decade of thisnew millennium holds in store for us as NASCAR fans.
The big question on everyone’s mind is "Will he, or won’t he?" My answer is….Hendrick, as an organization, is at the top of their game. JJ.. & Chad, at least for the current championship format, are at the top of theirs. It’s really hard to predict that they won’t re-write the record books, and cause a near complete fan meltdown, by winning a fifth, but as I’ve said, to prevent this someone really has to step up.
I just don’t see that someone, being Denny Hamlin.
I think I’m going to give the nod to Tony, by a nose. He’s been there before. He has Hendrick equipment, and people, he’s had a season to draw on, as well as normally being a very good closer. Let’s be honest here…..the sport needs another winner, and I see Tony as having the best shot.
It just may be a long shot.
The Chasers, one champion, and the other 11 otherwise known as, "the best of the rest": Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, The elder Mr.Busch, Jeffey ”The Wonderboy,” Gordon, Mark Martin, Matt the Brat, Cousin Carl, Master Busch, “Hello” Newman, Kasey Kahne, Denny “Throw My Crew Under The Bus…again” Hamlin, Clint “Boy Do I Need A Cool Nickname” Bowyer.
Here’s what I see for the teams:
Hendrick/ Stewart- Haas- Still setting the standard. Rick could very well have 2-3 seats open in the near future. Expect a real calf scramble when it happens.
Stewart-Haas- If the financing can be nailed down for a third team, I think that Tony’s background, and love for dirt track Sprints and Midgets will give Kasey the inside track. The money remains iffy. I listed them together because they’re joined at the hip.
Joe Gibbs- Still the flagship Toyota team, but as we’ve seen lately, Toyota’s flag is flying at half mast.
Richard Childress- They were showing improvement at the end of last season. I look for it to continue. I also think there’s a better than even money chance that enough damage was done last year between “Mr. Unhappy,” and Richard, that barring an absolute killer season, they will part company.
“The Cat in the Hat,” (or Rat in the Hat- depending on your point of view. Jack Roush)- Better than last year, but still lots of room for improvement.
“Chip and Stepmother Teresa” but mostly Chip (Earnhardt- Ganassi)- Still searching for the success he’s had in open wheel, and Sports Cars, but still not finding it. I didn’t include Juan Pablo Montoya in my chase field, but he could very well make it again. I really like JPM, I just hated to see the Chase make a points stroker out of him. Jamie Mac is supposed to have all new cars this season. I look for him to do much better than he did at Roush. Oh wait a minute he won last year. As a matter of fact, he was the only Roushketeer besides Matt Kenseth to win in ‘09. Go figure.
The Captain (Roger Penske)- All eyes will be on Brad Keselowski, could be quite a show. I’m really hoping that Hornish has the season he needs. My guess is this one’s about even money.
“Mikey the Mouth” (Michael Waltrip)- I’ll be watching with interest this season. Truex could be a dark horse Chaser. It’s all "Wait and See" at this point, but they seem to be making the right moves.
“Gillett-Yates, RPM, or whatever they decide to call it”- Maybe they should call it “The Incredible Shrinking Team.” As I’ve said, this latest merger seems like merging Sears, and K-mart. I look for Kasey to bail, and without him they really don’t have much. I don’t know if A.J. and Menard’s money could carry it or not. I wonder if they plan to pay the drivers this year?
Wood Brothers- I really like and admire both the team, and “Dollar Bill,” but they have a real dilemma. What they need is a young, talented, hungry driver. The problem is they may not be able to survive the learning curve. My best wishes are with them, but I’m not too optimistic.
This is the time of the year when everything is all rainbows and roses. All the underfunded and new, start-up teams are going to run a full schedule. You know we’ve heard it all before. Unfortunately, after the fifth race, those teams who got out bid for points they didn’t earn could get a dose of reality.
My prediction that I’m most sure of is that any team who is able to run the entire season will be able to finish inside the top 35 in points. It’s going to be that thin this year.
One thing I’d love to see this year, but probably won’t: if it comes down to fuel mileage…… everyone runs out.
Nationwide Series
I’ll keep this short and sweet. Just 2 predictions:
This is one prediction that I have 100% confidence in. The champion will be a Cup driver, driving for a Cup owner. Well Duh!
At this point, does anyone really care who?
If Master Busch wins Nashville, he will put on a new pair
of white cotton gloves before he handles the trophy.
Sit down, strap in, and enjoy the season. After all, it’s what we’ve been waiting for.
