As NASCAR’s season opening weekend is upon us, it is never too late to look ahead twenty-six races to the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Here is how I see the drivers lining up for the Chase here in 2012:
- Kevin Harvick: Happy Harvick looks reinvigorated after a 2011 season that dubbed him as NASCAR’s unofficial closer. And with Harvick selling off his Nationwide and Truck teams to other organizations, Harvick looks to be more focused this year than ever on winning his first Sprint Cup title.
- Carl Edwards: After a season where Edwards led Roush Fenway to an edge of a title (literally), only to have it taken by Tony Stewart, Carl started off the season right by winning the pole for the season opening Daytona 500. Edwards is looking to replicate his successes in 2008 and 2011, only this time by hoisting the title in Miami in November.
- Kyle Busch: Many questions are floating around the garage about Kyle Busch this season, with one question overriding them all: Can Kyle keep his cool? If he does, look for performances like the one Busch put in at the Budweiser Shootout to be a common occurrence this season.
- Tony Stewart: The defending champion of the Sprint Cup Series is looking for a back-to-back title run. The biggest obstacle in this run though could be his own team. Steve Addington moves over to Stewart-Haas Racing as his new crew chief, looking to continue the successes of 2011 throughout 2012.
- Jimmie Johnson: Jimmie Johnson, otherwise known as five-time, is looking to right the ship after an off year last year, finishing outside the top five in the Chase for the first time ever. One thing Jimmie will have to do differently this year is win. With only two wins last season, JJ will need to pull the #48 into victory lane more often if he wants a sixth cup.
- Jeff Gordon: Jeff Gordon had a nasty wreck to start off his 2012 in the Budweiser Shootout (flips and all). He’s hoping it won’t be a bad omen for the rest of the season, where Gordon looks to recapture the fire for victory he had back in 2008, only this time, without finishing second to his teammate.
- Ryan Newman: Ryan Newman has gone from the Rocket Man to the face of consistency at Stewart-Haas Racing. Don’t expect anything less out of him this year, as he looks to finally prove he can be a constant face in victory lane.
- Greg Biffle: Greg Biffle did not have the best 2011, posting up no wins and missed a shot at the chase. But after earning a second place starting spot in the Daytona 500, Biffle’s chances are looking up for 2012. Look for him to contend for a few wins this year.
- Brad Keselowski: Brad K had an amazing 2011, one that may be difficult for him to replicate. Earning a spot in the chase through the wild card, Keselowski made a magical run into the top five of the final standings. Now, with Keselowski as the lead man in the Penske stable, will the pressure be too much for him?
- Jeff Burton: Let’s face it, Jeff Burton had a down year with Richard Childress Racing in 2011. No wins, and not contending for a chase spot really hurt the man known as the mayor of the garage area. In 2012, though, Burton is reinvigorated and is looking to be back in the winner’s circle this season.
- Denny Hamlin: Denny Hamlin struggled to regain his footing in 2011 after a standout year in 2010 where he nearly won the Sprint Cup. Hamlin will have to adjust to working with new crew chief Darian Grubb, meaning a learning curve to start the season for both. Look for Hamlin to get a win or two, and slide his way into the chase with a wild card berth.
- Clint Bowyer: A steep learning curve is in store for Clint Bowyer, moving over from Richard Childress Racing to a rejuvenated Michael Waltrip Racing. With a new number, manufacturer, sponsor, and crew chief, Bowyer will need some time to adjust to his new surroundings, but will definitely contend for wins as the chase approaches.
Looking ahead, ten races make up the Chase for the Sprint Cup, culminating in a champion being crowned at Homestead-Miami Speedway. And with that, my way-too-early pick to be the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion is: Carl Edwards. Good luck to all the drivers in the Daytona 500 and all the races of the upcoming season.