Hey gang its been awhile but I'm ready to drop some more countdown goodness, on this edition of the Top 10.
This time we are going to look at the Top 10 stories for NASCAR in 2008, so LETS GO!!!
10. Just How Well Will The Open Wheelers Do? - The open-wheel invasion will be in full effect this year with Patrick Carpentier, Dario Franchitti, Jacques Villeneuve, and Sam Hornish all competing for ROTY honors this year in NASCAR, toss in a dash of Marcus Ambrose, and NASCAR will be full of international flavor this year.
9. Who will bust out fistacuffs this year? - Unfortunately, this is a valid question. Given the fact that driver brawling has overshadowed the entire races in which they brawled, NASCAR drivers have become in need of Anger Management! Its only a matter of time and driver error and fists will fly once more. The only question remains is who will it be, and can we get a ring side seat?
8. Will Television Coverage Improve This Year with Jarrett! - We Can only hope so!!!
7. Who Is Gonna be the dark horse contender? - Last year Clint Bowyer stepped out of the shadows and into the light to become the dark horse contender last year! This year a few drivers come to mind! Insert driver here!!!
6. The Future of the Developmental Drivers - The crop of the Develpmental drivers and their development will be a overlooked issue for most, but as for me I can see the next batch of superstars for NASCAR are gonna be great! Led by Joe Gibbs Racings Stud Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick's Cale Gale, and Roush Racings Erik Darnell, these names you probably never heard of, but you should get to know them! From Left To Right 1) Joey Logano 2)Cale Gale 3) Erik Darnell
5. How Well Will DEI Do Without Jr.? - No Budweiser on tap, and No Jr. to be found, DEI will carry a whole new look heading in to 08. Mark Martin, and Aric Almirola will share the driver duties in the 8 with US ARMY on the car (Still Looks Weird To Me). But given the fact that Marin Truex Jr. made the chase last year, DEI may not crash and burn like some would suggest
4. Can The Ford "Supergroup" Challenge Hendricks Dominance? - Now that Roush has teamed up with Doug Yates team in Concord (Sort Of), can they combine together and challenge the Chevrolet and Hendrick dominace of the sport. They have the talent for sure, led by former champion Matt Kenseth, and Carl Edwards, they could land the knock out punch for Hendrick this year. . . If they don't punch each other out first. . . SEE ABOVE!
3. Can Toyota Become Competitive With JGR as the teams leader? - Toyota showed flashes of greatness last year, with Mikey's shocking Talledega poll, and Dave Blaney's strong second half performance. But now you add Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, and the schrub to the mix and Toyota boasts a heck of a lineup to compete this year!
2. Will The COT Ever Endear Itself To The Fans? - So it Looks like a 1978 Chevrolet Nova! But for better or worse its evident that the COT now stands for Car Of Today!
SEE THE SIMULARITY NOW????
. . .and now for #1
1. How Will Jr. Fare With HMS? - Gone with the Bud, and Jr. Nation decked out in green and blue! Jr. has joined the "Darkside" with Hendrick Motorsports. Now given the fact that his team was the former #25 and not very competive, Jr Nation hopes that the past will stay there, and Jr. not only returns to the chase, but becomes a favorite for the Sprint Cup Championship!
So there it is gang! Comment me and let me know if I missed something, or if you disagree with the order
Now given the fact that his team was the former #25 and not very competive
Look at the facts the 25 team moved as many or more owner spots than any other team last year moving from 34,35, to 16 in owner points. Also it is not the same team new crew chief and severall new crew. If you are trying to get JR nation all wound up find something real.
Hey there Baisden Great blog!! Wonderful photos WOW !! Now all you have to do is get that photo of Dale up in his new drivers uniform!! And admitt you may become a Dale fan...well maybe just a little???...Pioneer
Great post! I for one am very interested in seeing how the open wheelers fare in NASCAR this year. I have followed Indy cars for years, and am a fan of Hornish even before he starts at Daytona. Also I am interested to see how Toyota will improve in their sophomore season at NASCAR. Yep...these are ALL stories to watch!
I particularly like the COT side by side with the 78 Nova above, I had often said that, but I didnt know how much they looked alike till I seen them side by side!!!
Nice post Baisden, your top 10 is spot on. Glad to see I am not the only one who thinks NASCAR could use some anger management training...not to rob them of their personalities but simply b/c some of them are wound a bit tight!
Anger Management? let me get out my Troll whipping stick. I had enough of fights back in the day. Glad to see it is outlawed but I would like to see the drivrs talk a little smack sometimes.
COT looking like a 70s Nova. Yep it does. Now if NASCAR really wants to stir up the pot, Lets see some new technology in the power plant dept like dual over head cams, computerized fuel injection, and traction control.
photogr - Im with you!! Talking smack is great - but leave the fists to the punching bag in the basement- Im also with you on the technology part somewhat! I love the idea of fuel injection, but traction controll and other technology may lead to what F1 is dealing with, those cars are so technologically advanced that you need to have a Phd. degree from MIT to drive one!
Baisden:
You should add Colin Braun and Michael McDowell under "The Future of the Development Drivers. Their very talented drivers, Braun running trucks this year and McDowell supposely running the 00 after Reutt.
