NASCAR Anyone?

So, tomorrow the NASCAR season starts, pretty much a year round event. I must say I'd never thought I'd get interested in the sport. However, over the past 3 years in watching and learning more about it, it's not only helped me recover from football withdrawal but also peaked my interest. And along the way I've learned a lot about NASCAR's drivers and cars.

Tomorrow is the Great American Race, and as such I thought it only correct for me to speak upon it a bit and give my humble opinion on who will make the Race for the Chase. First, I have to say that Tony Stewart is a joker, what with his hard comments on bump drafting. Since the "Champ" has spoken, NASCAR officials are now on high alert for this intrical part of restrictor plate racing. It would be a shame if Stewart happened to "cut his own throat" karmically speaking tomorrow. He of all people is without a clean record. Never mind, I predict that there will be not only a large wreck tomorrow(big surprise there always is!), but I sense a Earnhardtian type of accident. I hope that I'm wrong.

On to the predictions, first it is with great regret that I have to say I think Jeff Gordon will once again win the championship. Love him or hate him, I have to admit that he's arguably the best all around driver on the circuit. My predictions are as follows, and I bet these will come back to haunt me!
Top ten(in no particular order, other than Gordon):
Jeff Gordon - too good for too long
Greg Biffle - on the verge of a championship
Tony Stewart - great chance to repeat if he continues to behave and doesn't find bad luck
Elliott Sadler - will get off to a quick start
Ryan Newman - will still qualify well and struggle on Sunday
Mark Martin - he could go out with a bang if his schedule doesn't burn him out
Jimmie Johnson - note to crew chief Knaus, clean it up. Johnson could win it all this year.
Jamie McMurray - under pressure to produce and he will, needs to avoid pesky DNFs.
Kevin Harvick - will have a strong early part of the season
Matt Kenseth - will struggle all year to get in the Chase.

Disappointment of the year: Carl Edwards - perhaps he should focus more on racing instead of mugging for the camera!
Runner-up Disappointment: Kurt Busch - After having some aesthetic ear work done in the offseason and his team change, he'll be disapointing

Surprise of the year: Joe Nemechek - may make the Chase

Rookie of the year: Denny Hamlin - right team, right driver, Stewart as a teammate helps.

Daytona 500 winner: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. , although let's hope it's Kyle Busch(see blog on sports odds!)

Have fun watching the race.