10 things to expect in '08

Dale Jr. has teamed with Hendrick Motorsports. Gibbs cars are now Toyota ... and fast. And JPM isn't the only former open-wheel star on the Sprint Cup circuit anymore.

The 2008 season is upon us and the NASCAR.COM writers have compiled their individual lists of 10 things to expect in '08.

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MARK AUMANN
1. Will Toyota win a race in 2008?
Not only will the manufacturer finally visit Victory Lane in NASCAR's premier series, but there should be two, perhaps more in the Chase. Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are all capable of getting there (read more).

2. Can Jimmie Johnson three-peat?
That's a tall order, based on the flukiness of the Chase, but with Hendrick equipment, Chad Knaus on the pit box and Johnson behind the wheel, everything's still in place to continue the success of the past two seasons (read more).

3. Can Jeff Gordon get title No. 5?
Under the old points system, he'd already have No. 6, but the No. 24 crew hasn't been able to pull it off under the 10-race shootout that is the Chase. If Johnson falters, Gordon's the most likely driver to step in and grab the title.

4. Has Dale Earnhardt Jr. matured?
All indications are yes. Without the pressure of being the No. 1 driver of the family operation, Junior's more relaxed. At the same time, now that he's with Hendrick, expectations are high -- and another winless season won't go over well.

5. Can Jack Roush's teams return to contention?
Ford's No. 1 outfit got caught napping with the introduction of the new car, but by the end of the season, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle were mixing it up at the front of the field. Things should only get better in 2008.

6. Who will get a handle on the new car?
Since the majority of the races on the schedule take place on intermediate tracks, the organization that first figures out the secrets to making it handle best at that distance will be the odds-on favorite for the championship.

7. Will the open-wheel revolution succeed?
Of Sam Hornish Jr., Dario Franchitti, Jacques Villeneuve and Patrick Carpentier, at least one will crack the top 20 at the end of the season, while at least one other will find himself out of work by then.

8. How much of an effect will the economic downturn have on NASCAR?
The lack of sponsorship dollars is not only hitting small teams hard, it's leaving teams like Yates and Ganassi pounding the pavement in search of operating income. It's possible that a team with longtime ties to the sport shuts its doors for good before Homestead.

9. Where does the Nationwide Series go from here?
The name has changed, but the identity issues remain for NASCAR's No. 2 series. Is it a Saturday showcase for today's Cup stars or a developmental series for the next generation of drivers? There's no easy solution, as NASCAR, promoters, sponsors, team owners and fans all share a stake.

10. What do we call the Craftsman Truck Series in 2009?
This is the final season of the deal with Sears -- and NASCAR's shopping the series sponsorship. Is there anybody out there willing to take on the financial responsibility for what has proved to be the most entertaining series in NASCAR?

DAVID CARAVIELLO
Hear that sound? That's Speedweeks, roaring up to your back bumper like a tractor-trailer on Interstate 95.

Here are 10 things to expect as the NASCAR season unfolds before us over the next 10 months:

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1. Here comes Junior!
Yes, we know some of you are tired of hearing about this. Junior is probably tired of hearing about this. But there's no way to overplay it -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. joining forces with Hendrick Motorsports, the sport's most popular driver partnering with the sport's most powerful team, is like Pete Townshend joining the Beatles. Like Jimmy Page joining Black Sabbath. Like Del Shannon joining Tommy James and the Shondells. You get the picture. It's a big deal. And it certainly won't hurt ...

2. The ratings game
Television numbers for NASCAR events were down in 2007, leading many to question whether the sport's popularity had peaked. Maybe, maybe not. Most sports' television ratings -- indeed, most TV ratings, period -- have dropped as viewership has fragmented, and NASCAR is not immune. But if a certain driver in the No. 88 car starts winning again, we might see some upticks. And the ratings might also be helped by the strategy of ...

3. Back to basics
That's the catchphrase of the 2008 season, as NASCAR begins its somewhat contrite campaign to win back those old-school fans who felt alienated by all the recent changes to the sport (read more). That means the series' names will stay the same for a while, we hope. That means earlier starting times, we pray. That probably means more country music played at racetracks, unfortunately (see above music references). Of course, all those traditionalists are still going to have to get over ...

4. The rise of Toyota
You're going to have to deal with it, boys and girls. The days where this manufacturer was a laughingstock are over. No, Red Bull and Michael Waltrip Racing likely won't win. But Joe Gibbs Racing will. You're going to see a Japanese carmaker in Victory Lane, in the Chase, contending for a Sprint Cup crown. And you know what? That's not a bad thing. Winning Toyota teams bring the possibility of more international attention and investment, which may help alleviate ...

5. Sponsorship woes
In some ways, it feels like 2002 all over again. The economy is tightening up, something that's evident on the blank hoods of many racecars (read more). Doug Yates is still trying to find full-time sponsors for both his cars. Chip Ganassi is trying to piece together sponsorship for Dario Franchitti's ride. Waltrip is looking for a backer for Michael McDowell's vehicle. There are many more Nationwide and Truck teams in the same situation. And since money is so tight, it's not going to help when teams get hit with ...

6. Fines, fines and more fines
NASCAR may loosen its rules on driver behavior, but technical limitations on the new car are as tight as ever. We saw what happened last year when several crew chiefs received long suspensions for tinkering with the vehicle. Well, now it's here full time. And they're going to run it at Daytona, where even with the old car the Speedweeks penalty list was often as long as Pacman Jones' rap sheet. Open your wallets, boys. Because it also won't be cheap keeping up with ...

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Rick Hendrick

7. Hendrick's continued domination
One day, they'll come back to the pack. But not now. No organization better handled the assimilation of old and new vehicles last year, giving Hendrick Motorsports a leg up on the competition as the winged thing goes full time. Sure, Gibbs and Richard Childress Racing are threats. Sure, Roush and Penske should be better. But somebody has to knock Hendrick off the pedestal first. And that won't be easy as ...

8. Jimmie goes for the three-peat
The pride of metro San Diego tries to become the first Cup driver to win three consecutive titles since the pride of Sardis, S.C., Cale Yarborough, did it three decades ago (read more). If we were in Vegas today, we'd take odds on Johnson. He has the most imaginative crew chief in the business in Chad Knaus, a team with minimal turnover and an unflappable mentality. Who's going to unseat him? Current teammate Jeff Gordon and former teammate Kyle Busch may be his biggest threats. But it won't be one of the ...

9. Open-wheel refugees
First it was Juan Montoya. Now Sam Hornish Jr., Franchitti, Jacques Villeneuve and Patrick Carpentier join NASCAR to run the complete Sprint Cup schedule. Who's next, Fernando Alonso? Michael Schumacher? Gerhard Berger? While these additions only add to NASCAR's reputation as North America's premier racing series, we have to wonder, what's happening to the late model drivers they're displacing? Of course, you may never find out, because of ...

10. The death of local coverage
National media coverage of NASCAR has become so comprehensive, and the newspaper industry is in such a recession, that many local publications have scrapped or are phasing out their racing beats. We're not talking about Mayberry, but places like Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville and Greensboro. This isn't just a media issue -- it's of great concern to NASCAR, which sees big-city newspapers as a primary way of reaching casual sports fans. And it's another blow to short tracks, and those future Clint Bowyers and Denny Hamlins of the world who'll now have a little more trouble getting discovered.

JOE MENZER
Wow. That was quick.

The offseason is over, and the 2008 Sprint Cup season is upon us. With that in mind, here are 10 things to expect in the upcoming season:

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1. Junior mania
Of course this has to be No. 1 on the list. The inaugural season of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet is one of the sport's most anticipated events in recent memory (read more). Now the pressure is on for him to break a 62-race losing streak, and in a hurry. And after that, then he'll have to win at least three or four more times and make the Chase to avoid his critics calling him out.

2. Anti-Junior mania
As hard as it may be for Junior fans to admit, not everyone loves Son of Dale. And those who dislike him or think he is overrated or simply enjoy e-mailing writers to repeatedly remind us that "he's not his daddy" appear to be just as fervent, although fewer in number, than those who would like to share a Bud, er Amp Energy Drink, with him -- or have his babies.

3. Tony in a Toyota
Sure, the top story is Junior going over to Hendrick after driving his entire career for Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company founded by his father and run, sort of, by his seemingly evil stepmother Teresa these days. But Tony Stewart will be at the forefront of trying to lead Toyota from the abyss as he and Joe Gibbs Racing make the transition from Chevrolets (read more). How long will it take Tony to get to Victory Lane in his new ride?

4. Care-free Kyle
Again, while most of the initial focus will be on Junior in his No. 88 car, is it possible that Hendrick let go the better driver in Kyle Busch to make room for Earnhardt? With all distractions out of the way and supposedly armed with a new attitude after being somewhat humbled by his split with Hendrick, the younger of the Busch brothers believes he can be a multiple winner as well. We'll see.

5. JimmieandJeff
Last year they were so close they almost became one syllable. There is no reason to think that two-time defending points champion Jimmie Johnson and four-time champion Jeff Gordon, longtime Hendrick teammates, won't challenge each other again for supremacy in total wins and in the final points tally. In fact, it says here that Gordon may just win it all.

6. Juan more time
At times former open-wheel star Juan Montoya of Chip Ganassi Racing was spectacular in his rookie Cup season a year ago. Now that he has been to all the tracks and has a year of stock-car experience under his belt, he could be poised to make a run at the Chase himself. The bigger question with him is not his ability, but whether Ganassi can provide him with winning equipment consistently.

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Juan Montoya

7. What new car?
As the year progresses, more and more folks will make less and less a big deal -- or any deal at all -- over the fact that these guys are racing a full schedule with a different racecar for the first time in many years. It's a racecar, everyone. These teams invest tons of money into figuring out how to make them handle better and go faster, and drivers are paid huge amounts to figure out how to drive 'em. In time, everything will be fine and the many complaints forgotten.

8. No. 43 in Victory Lane
Is it crazy to think Bobby Labonte can get there just once in the famed 43 car for Petty Enterprises? Hey, they're in a new building and they're hoping for a new beginning. Stranger things have happened in this sport. And remember, when he does it, you read it here first.

9. The next superstar
It won't be until late in the season, but Joey Logano will make his Cup debut for Joe Gibbs Racing before the year is out. When he does, pay attention. There may be some growing pains, as there usually are for all young drivers who try to make a go of it at the Cup level before they're of legal drinking age. But this kid is a real talent and someday will win championships. And hey, at least driving for Gibbs, you know he won't be in a car sponsored by a beer company. That would be awkward.

10. Where art thou Dodge (and Ford)?
We've talked Toyotas and Chevys and even made slight mention of the Dodges that Bobby Labonte and Juan Montoya drive. But what of Dodge teams such as Penske or Gillett Evernham Motorsports, or the Ford teams led by Roush Fenway Racing? They have the potential to make some noise, too, of course, but they'll have to be much improved to contend with the Hendrick behemoth and the coming Toyota giant being spurred on now by Gibbs.

DAVE RODMAN
Predictions are a dangerous limb to go out on, but it's a limb on which brave men and women (and foolish sports writers) thrive.

With that said, here are a few tidbits that at least one guy thinks will happen in 2008.

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1. The phrase "COT" will die a slow, and I guess, to NASCAR, painful death
It's not possible to tag something 18 months out, and then all of sudden, as of Jan. 1, 2008, expect to drop the title. It's even tougher when your key TV partners and most of your competitors and media continue to use it.

2. At least four Toyota drivers will win races
My sincere hope is that the uncertain and unforeseen will continually rear their shaggy heads. If they don't, Hendrick Motorsports is likely to win half the races once again and, while I don't see their performance lagging at all, circumstances will open the door for others.

3. Two new winners will grace Sprint Cup Victory Lanes
I almost wanted to say no new winners would make it to Victory Lane, but there is a lot of talent swimming around the series. And with Reed Sorenson and Dave Blaney making a significant amount of progress last season, they might be the ones most likely to do it.

4. Juan Montoya will win two pole positions
You won't get me to predict where, but Montoya made enough progress throughout 2007, if he and crew chief Donnie Wingo continue to blossom, it's almost inevitable that the quick Colombian will end up on the inside of a couple of front rows.

5. Regan Smith will score a victory for the "little guys" everywhere
Smith will out-run his four more highly regarded open-wheel competitors and win the Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year award. Smith will trade on solid DEI equipment and the experience of his veteran crew chief, Doug Richert, to prevail (read more).

6. Neither attendance nor TV ratings will perk up appreciably
At least until the economy seriously turns around. Right or wrong, there are too many thorns currently irritating people's skin: From foreign cars to foreign drivers to TV formats and commentators who strike them as something from a foreign land, as well.

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Johnny Benson

7. Carl Edwards' victory margin will be cut in half
Despite an onslaught of tough Toyotas, led by another year of experience for David Reutimann, a financially revitalized Braun Racing and "new recruit" Joe Gibbs Racing, Edwards and his Roush Fenway Racing team will win a second consecutive Nationwide Series title.

8. Chevrolet will win the most races
We're talking total, across NASCAR's three national touring series, but Chevrolet will only take two of the six driver and owner championships available. Toyota's cars will provide the biggest surprise among the manufacturers, with their biggest impact, obviously, continuing in the Craftsman Truck Series.

9. Popular veteran Johnny Benson will score his second NASCAR championship
Nearly 15 years after he won the 1995 Busch Series title, Benson will win another championship this season by edging his Bill Davis Racing teammate Mike Skinner and capturing the Craftsman Truck Series crown, winning at least five races in the process.

10. Short fields will be common in Nationwide and Truck series racing
As the economy continues to trouble various elements in the motorsports community, from the fans to the media to the tracks and race teams themselves, two NASCAR divisions -- the Nationwide Series and Craftsman Truck Series -- will have the highest numbers of "short fields," maybe ever.

RAYGAN SWAN
The cameras keep rolling in 2008 where pop culture abounds and personalities prevail.

Here is what I am predicting to happen beyond rule changes and Chase races.

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1. NASCAR's pretty-boy status ramps up in 2008
Reality show Dr. 90210, He's So Vain, premiers on Bravo featuring drivers who confess their plastic procedures. Michael Waltrip barrels through a box of botox injections; Dr. Phil calls Kurt Busch for an intervention.

2. Pit-box princesses, you're all due for a feud
Not since Nicole Lunders vs. Eva Busch have we seen that Tammy Wynette Stand by Your Man mentality erupt in the pits. My prediction: Battle of the fashion models; Ingrid Gordon vs. Chandra Johnson. The two have a spat over who makes the best NASCAR wife without uttering a single word.

3. A Tony Stewart volcano
Seemingly Smoke is going through a small identity crisis. Fans can't tell if he wants to be a poster boy for healthy eating maintaining a tempered tone or the constantly offensive, aspiring member of Hell's Angels. Teetering between characters is a recipe for disaster (read more). Prediction: Stewart, in true Michael Simko fashion, does a flying drop-kick to the chest of the first ESPN reporter to ask him about his longer hairdo.

4. Transformation of Juan
With a full season of NASCAR under his belt, former Formula One driver Juan Montoya is acclimating to a more homespun culture. His sponsor Wrigley requires the Colombian to spend 24 hours in the Talladega infield. He shows up the following week in Richmond sporting a faux pony tail-trucker hat combination and foregoes his late night trips to Taco Bell for Bojangles.

5. More baby making in 2008
It appears Tiger Woods performs better with a baby at home as does Jeff Gordon. To secure his third consecutive Cup title, Jimmie Johnson announces his first child is due this summer. The sport of NASCAR spurs a second Baby Boom.

6. No driver retires in 2008
In fact, Ricky Rudd comes out of retirement and saves Yates Racing with a huge sponsorship deal touting Slipper Socks. Mark Martin and Dale Jarrett call a news conference to announce a sponsorship deal with AARP and their lifelong commitment to racing. Rusty Wallace quits his TV gig and pilots his son's Nationwide ride; Steve Wallace enrolls at UNCC.

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Ashley Judd

7. NASCAR is due for a flick
This time, in 2008, Michael Moore defines the life and struggles of a pit lizard. The cameras follow seven ladies vying for the affection of a Cup driver and their scheme to land the highly coveted position on the pit box. Who will settle on a Nationwide driver and stalk David Stremme? Sales for Liz Alison's book glorifying the life of a pit lizard go through the roof.

8. An Ashley Judd sighting!
Finally, celebrity wife of Dario Franchitti attends a NASCAR race. Broadcasters run a split screen, one of the track and the other of Judd in the pits for the entirety of the race. NASCAR ratings soar through the roof.

9. Kasey, Kasey, Kasey
On the path of destruction, shouldering the pressures of the Budweiser sponsorship, Kahne's criminal escapades continue past the infamous track shove in Miami. In 2008, donning black hair and black nails, Kahne loses all composure causing the sport's largest rumble in the pits rivaling the Pistons-Pacers brawl in 2004.

10. A new marketing angle
NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France changes his mind about getting "back to the basics" and goes full throttle after the mainstream fan base after finagling a deal with Long Island, N.Y., to construct a new track.. P-Diddy sings the national anthem accompanied by a gospel choir at the inaugural event and Paris Hilton resurrects the trophy girl gig in Victory Lane.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers.