2008 Season Preview

[KurtBuschFan]

Well everyone...it's that time again.  Time to start thinking and talking more about the upcoming season.  Check out our season preview questions all this week on the main page.

Today’s Season Preview Topic: As Hendrick Motorsports comes off another year of dominance, the big question will be how much better they are now that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has entered the fold. Emerging from the shadow of DEI, will NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver succeed in his first year with the new team – or will the pressure of high expectations set him up for failure?

Check to see what your favorite writers have to say on the topic and then come on by and tell us what you think.

http://www.frontstretch.com/article/14135/

[KurtBuschFan]

Today’s Season Preview Topic: Toyota made a major effort to upgrade their teams in the offseason, making a blockbuster deal with Joe Gibbs Racing. But how much will the other teams in the Toyota fold benefit? Simply put, can anyone else other than JGR win a race this season in a Camry; and for that matter, can that three-car juggernaut compete for the championship themselves in only their first season following a major manufacturer switch?

http://www.frontstretch.com/article/14147/

[KurtBuschFan]

I can't believe none of this opinionated crowd has any thoughts on any of these topics

Today’s Season Preview Topic: After the success of Juan Pablo Montoya last season, the floodgates opened for a number of open-wheel stars to transition into the NASCAR ranks. But after a win and a Top 25 points finish for Montoya in his rookie season, can any open-wheeler in the rookie class of 2008 duplicate that success – especially considering most of them have even less preparation time and stock car experience under their belts?

[Busch Babe 899]

Who's on the hotseat? Jamie McMurray, for sure, especially since Roush has to decide this season if Greg or Carl are going to be the driver/team to go to RYR or elsewhere before 2010, when he has to cut that 5th team somehow...if those 2 re-sign with RFR this season, I think Jamie's chances of being resigned go down. Way down. Ragan is the future, Carl is Jack's retirement, Greg and Matt are the veterans, Jack won't give either of them up without a fight. But Jamie...well, Jack has a history of giving guys time, then giving them the boot if they don't perform more than just average (Johnny Benson, Chad Little, Todd Kluever...)...I really think Jamie is the one "On the Bubble" as they say. I think Jack will re-sign Carl and Greg, then see...if Jamie doesn't make the Chase this year (he DID win one race last year), then I bet he's out.

As for the open wheelers, Juablo set the bar pretty high...I think it will be a steep learning curve. These guys have the talent, but this stock car thing is a whole different beast, as Las Vegas testing with the windy conditions confirmed...mainly the open wheel guys were indicating the wind caused issues....Jimmy Johnson was "quoted" as saying "What wind??"...

I don't think any of the new open-wheelers will win a race this season, and at least one will end up out a drive by season's end. Sam Hornish has the edge, with Kurt Busch's points to get him in the first 5 races...unfair advantage, and something NASCAR should have put their foot down on, but they didn't do anything when the rumors started circulating that that was going through Penske's head (and his denials of it on Sirius ), so then they couldn't do anything to close up that particular loophole.

Villeneuve, Carpentier, Franchitti...I predict Mrs. Franchitti will cause more of a splash at the track than her husband will.

JMO, of course...

[KurtBuschFan]

Today’s Season Preview Topic: As always, 2008 will be a year when several driver contracts are on the verge of expiring. So, which driver starts the season on the “hottest seat,” and why?

[Busch Babe 899]

Hehehehe See, I already replied to that!! Proves I do read the main site!! 

[KurtBuschFan]

so true so true....and I DEFINITELY agree with you on Sam Hornish getting Kurt's owner's points....that's definitely something NASCAR shoulda put their foot down on.

[KurtBuschFan]

Today’s Season Preview Topic: Which driver is going to be the biggest surprise in the Chase this season?

[Busch Babe 899]

Other than the open wheelers, I don't think there are any who could be a big surprise...IMO, there are at least 20 teams who are good bets on getting into the Chase. Just a matter of how the racing luck works for you...one too many engine failures, and you're out.

[KurtBuschFan]

Today’s Season Preview Topic: After a year of declining TV Ratings and empty seats in the stands, NASCAR is going to work hard this season to win back the fans. What’s the most important thing they need to do in order to stop the bleeding?

[Busch Babe 899]

SHOW MORE RACING!!!!!!