[Bob Tanner]

It just before Christmas and less than two months before the 2007 season starts. No testing has been done at Daytona and no real info on the testing of NASCAR's NA$CARmobile. So with nothing to go on except intuition and intestinal fortitude, let's look at the tea leaves and predict what 2007 has in store. Here are my offerings:

Standings:

1st... Tony Stewart He miss the playoffs in '06 and, as General Yamamoto said after Pearl Harbor (an ironic metaphor considering Toyota's entrance in '07), "I fear we have awaken a sleeping tiger." Methinks Tony's awake, y'all.
2nd... Kasey Kahne He just keeps getting better with age. He'll be smarter this year.
3rd... Carl Edwards He has his old crew chief back and Flipper is hungry.
(IF the above three is correct, it'll be a fun season; none of the above is historically a points racer, but rather races to win
4th... Jimmy Johnson It all depends on how he handles the champion responsibilities. If he falls there he'll finish lower
5th... Kevin Harvick His doofus wife notwithstanding, the kid has lots of talent and deserves to be here.
6th... Jeff Gordon New wife, new kiddo, same old Jeff, and same old team.
7th... Scott Riggs A new face in the playoff. Last year, as a second year driver, he finished in the top 18 despite missing a race. This year he's smarter and will finish all the races.
8th... Matt Kenseth Probably will finish higher. The best driver/crew chief combo in NASCAR at this time.
9th... Brian Vickers Will be Toyota's star driver. Has determination, Toyota's money behind him and Doug Richert calling the shots.
10th... Jeff Burton '06 was no fluke despite winning only one race.
11th... Dale Earnhardt Jr. Life, as we know it, would cease if Dale Jr. doesn't make the cut. In 07 we'll all be saved because there will be twelve cars finish within 400 of the leader at the cut. (whew!)
12th... Clint Bowyer He'll squeak in, to give RCR a hat trick in the playoffs.

Threats to make the playoffs: The Brothers Busch, Elliott Sadler and Dave Blaney

After six races these drivers will have to qualify to make the field:
00-Ruetimann, 01-Martin/Smith, 4-Wahrd Burton, 6-Smith, 21-Schrader/Wood, 44-Jarrett (Champ Prov will save him), 45-Petty, 49-Bliss, 55-Waltrip, 70-Sauter (I might be wrong here), 72-Whitt, 78-K.Wallace, 84-Almendinger, 96-Raines (This also could easily be a wrong guess)

Racing headlines we might see:

Twelve in Chase

Dale Junior elects not to renew DEI contract for 2008

DEI announces attractive buyout offer by John Menard; sale appears eminent.

Honda announces plans to enter NASCAR in 2010
Any other brave souls out there?

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Any other brave souls out there?

hmmm... I'll get back to you.

[LSC9901]

At first glance I have these comments. No Denny Hamlin at all ????? I'll reserve judgement on Edwards until after the season gets started. I realize he will have a new crew chief this coming year but I still want to see them together. Clint Bowyer and Scott Riggs don't stand high on my pecking order. Once again I'll reserve judgement until after the start of the season. 12 drivers in the chase is a real possibility but I would think that the number 12 would be a result of the new points structure that my very good friend Brian will institute. I don't see Theresa making any plans to sell. She has a legend to maintain and selling it would be a grand mistake. Jr. moving .. who knows. Today loyalty is all about and to the dollar sign. If Jr. should consider it I'd bet on a joint venture with RCR. Tons of money for the both of them.

[Souporscotty]

Dave Blaney as a threat? I'm curious. Because of Toyota?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

At first glance I have these comments. No Denny Hamlin at all ????? I'll reserve judgement on Edwards until after the season gets started. I realize he will have a new crew chief this coming year but I still want to see them together. Clint Bowyer and Scott Riggs don't stand high on my pecking order. Once again I'll reserve judgement until after the start of the season. 12 drivers in the chase is a real possibility but I would think that the number 12 would be a result of the new points structure that my very good friend Brian will institute. I don't see Theresa making any plans to sell. She has a legend to maintain and selling it would be a grand mistake. Jr. moving .. who knows. Today loyalty is all about and to the dollar sign. If Jr. should consider it I'd bet on a joint venture with RCR. Tons of money for the both of them.

Denny Hamlin: I'm betting on a sophmore jinx year here. IF he doesn't suffer the jinx, he'll be a definate contender.

Carl Edwards: Bob Osborne was his crew chief the first half-year he run and his first full year (finished 3rd). Last year Carl got "Roushed" and lost Osborne; he flopped. I have heard it's a lock that he regains Bob Osborne. He and Osborne make a potent combination.

Teresa isn't happy with Junior as evidenced by an article in the WSJ last week. I don't believe Junior is particularly happy with Teresa. He, Kelly and Kerry have formed a group which is building a motor sports complex here in Mobile starting next year. DEI isn't envolved. Face it, Junior IS the DEI franchise. His contract is up after 2007 and I bet he leaves and when he goes, so does AB and so does DEI. But, I could very well be very wrong on this one. IF this prediction ever comes about it will shake NASCAR to its roots.

It would be nice if Junior and Childress ever got together but Junior is prone to believeing his own press clippinmgs, is amored with being a "rock star," and is generally squirrelly. He'll go to where ever it feels good at the time.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Souporscotty

Dave Blaney as a threat? I'm curious. Because of Toyota?

Thinking on Blaney: Bill Davis could be Toyota's #1 team. He's been with them since they got serious about NASCAR. He built their first truck and car and that cost him his MOPAR sponsorship. He's basically operated as an independent since 2004. Toyota owes him and Blaney has hung on with Davis through some pretty slim times. Dave has performed well despite less than first line equipment. At the end of last year Blaney had some darn good runs.

I don't look for Blaney to be in the top ten but I think a top fifteen is within reason. The fly in the ointment is that idiot Mayfield. If Blaney out-performs him he'll whine and cry like a stuck pig and if he follows previous history, he could really hurt the entire operation.

[LSC9901]

Mayfield has always been a source of wonderment for me. I never quite understood how he got as far as he did. Good wheels under him I guess. I don't think he has a lot of talent so for him to be a fly in the ointment he's gonna have to get better.

What about my boy Kevin Lapage ??? Is no one concerned about him being a fly in the ointment ??? Just trying to give him some air time since he gets none on TV.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Mayfield has always been a source of wonderment for me. I never quite understood how he got as far as he did. Good wheels under him I guess. I don't think he has a lot of talent so for him to be a fly in the ointment he's gonna have to get better.

What about my boy Kevin Lapage ??? Is no one concerned about him being a fly in the ointment ??? Just trying to give him some air time since he gets none on TV.

Cale Yarbrough could hang his head in shame for ever bringing Mayfield up to the big show. Jeremy's in the same category as the other two Owensboro, KY flashes, Jeff Green and Mikey. Those three are to NASCAR what a pair of brown shoes is to a blue suit.

We've discussed Kevin before and both of us believe he got a bad draw early in his Cup career and it stuck. I haven't heard of Kevin having a confirmed ride in '07?

[LSC9901]

Kevin is supposed to be on a local staion tomorrow and rumor has it he will announce his '07 plans. If he does I'll try to get back to you with them .... if I can remember to listen to the station. Not my favorite station.

[LSC9901]

Lepage was on the radio as advertised but had nothing concrete to offer. He believes there will some races foir him with Front Row and is hoping for a full time ride. Should hear within a few days ???

[simple simon]

Juan Montoya runs away with the championship

i havent really followed NA$CAR since The Intimidator died and i have decided Montoya is my racing guy for the forseeable future

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by simple simon

Juan Montoya runs away with the championship

i havent really followed NA$CAR since The Intimidator died and i have decided Montoya is my racing guy for the forseeable future

"Hello, My name is Juan Pablo Montoya... You wrecked my Nascar... prepare to die"

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by Quality88

"Hello, My name is Juan Pablo Montoya... You wrecked my Nascar... prepare to die"

Q88 pulling out all the stops with the Princess Bride reference

Andre the Giant was also in that movie.......great flick

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by simple simon

Q88 pulling out all the stops with the Princess Bride reference

Andre the Giant was also in that movie.......great flick

Couldn't resist... It was a great flick.

[lilsexy08]

I'll think about this and get back with you Tuesday!