The 2011 NASCAR season starts on Sunday with the 53rd Annual Daytona 500. Of course, I am excited about the new season. So,after listening to hours of Sirius XM NASCAR Radio and a regularly reading Scene Daily, I am making my predictions for the top five drivers in the Sprint Cup Series.
1. Jimmie Johnson No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet:
Yes, I know 6 consecutive championships is nearly impossible—I do believe that the 48 team is THAT good. Jimmy and Chad Knaus continue to strive for perfection and to watch how they worked through 2010 to win shows me that they will do anything for the win. They will be a serious contender until one of them breaks away.
2. Denny Hamlin No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
You can not deny that Denny has the drive to win the championship. After his aggressive finish at the Bud Shootout, he remains resolve to continue his pursuit of the championship. The one difference this year is the lack of surgery. I think that the surgery midseason motivated Hamlin to win, putting in a position to enter the chase.
3. Jeff Gordon No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
My personal favorite. While I hope that he goes all the way to the championship, I don’t think he will have the cars to achieve his fifth title this year. Unlike Jimmy Johnson, he has new crew chief which he will spend this year building report with. The sacrifice in this will be the communication needed to achieve a winning machine.
4. Kevin Harvick No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
After his stellar performance in 2010, Harvick landed a new sponsor (Budweiser). There is nothing to even hint that the 29 car will not once again have the consistency tat he is becoming known for.
5. Jeff Burton No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
One can not deny the power of the Richard Childress Garage—especial when it is paired with the experience of Jeff Burton. I have much respect for his professionalism and I think that this type of driving will be rewarded by consistency in 2011. The new points rules should also honor this type of racing when coupled with wins.
The other drivers in the top ten are:
6. Clint Bowyer No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
7. Kyle Busch No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
8. Carl Edwards No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr. No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
10. Jamie McMurray No. 1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevrolet
Jo Green says
These are great predictions. I’d like to think Hamlin will rise above Johnson this year, but to be honest I’d be happy with either winning the championship this year.