I can't bet against Jimmy Johnson until somebody knocks him off his very tall pedestal. Having said that, I will be happy after Homestead next fall if any of the Hendrick drivers walk with the big trophy again. I really dislike Kyle Busch. He is a loud mouth, has never done anything wrong on a race track, just ask him, and just can't seem to finish a season strong. But there is no one, and I mean no one, that has that little punks driving skill. In my opinion, he has more pure racing ability than perhaps anyone that ever put on the helmet. If he can learn to control his mouth, and his temper, and realize that he is not going to win every race, he could absolutely rule NASCAR for the foreseeable future. I hope he doesn't, but I think he could be that good.
Carl Rdwards will certainly be a force again.
I expect Tony Stewart will fall flat on his face with his new team this year. And that could hurt, with him now weighing about 700 lbs. Lay off the pizza Tony. Your car will be faster.
I very much look forward to this and every NASCAR season. I can't throw a football 65 yards, nor can I dunk a basketball anymore. And I never could throw a 96 mph fastball, with movement. But I can drive a car, and that, for some strange reason makes these drivers a little more human than most athletes. And yes they are athletes. Any endeavor that causes one to lose 15 pounds in a few hours requires all the endurance of a "real" athlete.
[This message has been edited by Schmitz - Matt (edited 2/6/2009).]