NASCAR 2008 |
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Predictions: Staff writers Jill Erwin adn Ralph N. Paulk tell you which drivers will qualify for the Chase and who will finish in the top 40 in points. |
Jill Erwin |
Ralph N. Paulk |
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| Kevin Harvick | He was adamant about challenging on the media tour . . . and I believe him. | 1 |
Jimmie Johnson | Three-peat. All that's changed from a season ago is the widening gap. |
| Tony Stewart | It's a gut feeling, but I think Stewart has something to show this season. | 2 |
Kurt Busch | Roger Penske's big weapon can contend for his second title as long as he stays focused. |
| Jeff Gordon | Again the four-time Cup champion falls just short of the Drive for Five. | 3 |
Carl Edwards | Winning a Nationwide Series title provides confidence for this Cup season. |
| Jimmie Johnson | One streak for the two-time champ ends, but he's in the top five again. | 4 |
Kyle Busch | He's driven to prove himself, especially with a new team at Joe Gibbs Racing. |
| Kyle Busch | One of the hot picks for the title, I'm picking him to repeat in this spot. | 5 |
Clint Bowyer | The third-year man has game and one of the best crews in the business. |
| Matt Kenseth | Steady season once again will get him a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. | 6 |
Tony Stewart | It won't matter whether he's driving a Toyota or a Tonka truck, he'll be competitive. |
| Jeff Burton | I think he wins twice this year, but not enough for the championship. | 7 |
Kevin Harvick | Something will hold him back, mostly poor decisions in critical situations. |
| Clint Bowyer | All three RCR cars back in the Chase. But Bowyer slips a little bit. | 8 |
Jeff Gordon | Incredibly, he finds himself overshadowed by his teammates J.J. and Junior. |
| Denny Hamlin | He says all three JGR teams will likely be in the top 5. I say it's only two. | 9 |
Martin Truex Jr. | Junior's departure from DEI will make him stronger and consistent. |
| Carl Edwards | He benefits from Roush's dedication to the Car of Tomorrow. | 10 |
Denny Hamlin | He might find adjusting to the Toyota a little tougher than teammate Tony Stewart. |
| Kurt Busch | Busch again joins his brother . . . and again finishes behind him. | 11 |
Ryan Newman | The Rocket Man vaults back into championship contention. |
| Greg Biffle | A return to the Chase for The Biff, who has to win at least one race that isn't a fluke this year. | 12 |
Matt Kenseth | He's got the equipment and tools at Roush Fenway Racing, but where's the hunger? |
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