It's 2008. It's January, the various championships of motor racing are gearing up for another year of giving us all enough to scream and yell about, until, well about this time next year. Here are a handful of series I can't wait to kick off, and I've even allowed myself to try and pick a winner (occasionally).

NASCAR: Let's kick off with the obvious, so much has been dedicated to the unknowns of the 2008 season. The COT going full time. Toyota looking to prove itself. Can anyone topple Hendrick. Can the open wheelers even hope to compete. Oh, and some lad called Dale has changed teams. If the racing on the track (and the organisation off it) come anywhere near matching this hype then we should be in for one of the better seasons of recent years. From testing it almost looks as it the Camry is the car to beat, and now they have the Gibbs engine dept on their side (the same Gibbs engine dept that powered The Toyota's to the top of qualifying and Blaney to 3rd in the 'Dega chase race) they should be good. I don't know if Toyota (most likely in the form o####ibbs car) can win the title, but I think those who wrote off their chances of a Cup win in 08 should be made to eat humble pie at some point. When it comes down to the title I find it hard to look beyond Hendrick. They may not always have the fastest car, but they have the best drivers.

PREDICTION: Toyota to win a race before May, and Jimmie to lead Jeff and Jr in a Hendrick 1-2-3 to the title. At least one of the open-wheel refugees to be unseated before the Chase.

F1: This year's Formula 1 season is unlikely to come close to the excitement that last season delivered. This is a shame as I feel that last year gained the sport a number of new fans (this may only be over here in the UK thanks to Hamilton) and it would be a shame to see it crash in flames. Again, like NASCAR there are huge unknowns. The cars are now without Traction Control, something that a number of drivers may not be used to. This gives us the possibility that new drivers may come to the fore. We also have new tracks on the calendar, at Valencia, Spain (which will host the European GP) and Singapore, including a blast over a bridge in the harbour. In the dark. As for winners McLaren will be strong again, BMW will look to become a major challenger for wins, rather than picking up podiums when others retire, but Ferrari are my favourites for the title. Kimi's title win last year may well have been a bit lucky, but there was no luck in winning 6 races (2 more than either McLaren driver).

PREDICTION: Kimi to lead a dominant Ferrari season, Hamilton's difficult second season, BMW to win at least one race. Singapore's night race to involve carnage that ensures F1 doesn't race at night again.

Touring Cars: Firstly the British Touring Cars (this will mean nothing to a huge swathe of you no doubt). We see arguably the best driver in the field (Matt Neal) driving for arguably the best team on the grid, and current manufacturers champions (Vauxhall). There will undoubtedly be the normal Touring Car bashing and ####ing, but I can't see their rivals (Seat) coming close.

PREDICTION: The rivalry between the Vauxhall drivers will be more interesting than Vauxhall's rivalry with anything else.

Now the World Touring Cars. Andy Priaulx looks to continue his domination of the class, as he challenges for his 4th consequtive title, with no doubt one of the Mullers as his main rival.

PREDICTION: Sorry Andy, my money's on the Germans

V8 Supercars: DISCLAIMER - I defer to Tez on all things V8. Can Ford win the title. After two years of nearly, they've failed at the final round both times. It's obvious the Falcons are strong, taking both endurance races in 2007, but for some reason they haven't been able to rekindle the form that led them to 3 titles with Stone Brothers Racing.

PREDICTION: Holden again, at this stage (I don't know the 08 team line-ups), I'd put money on one of the Kelly brothers taking the title.

Le Mans: The Madness of mid-June. With the dawn of the diesel era at La Sarthe only a few teams are in the chase for ultimate victory, namely the all conquering Audi's and the challenging Peugeots. Peugeot had a good showing last year (despite having a car they claimed was still being developed). If that claim was anything other than mind games they could have a shot at beating the 4 Rings.

PREDICTION: I'm taking the easy way out here. Audi all the way.