Jeremy Dunn is a freelance sports writer who concentrates mostly on internet articles about NASCAR. He is a staff writer for http://SpeedwayMedia.com and contributes to that site on a regular basis. His goal is to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and broaden his freelance writing career. Dunn is married with three kids and resides in Harlem, Georgia, a small town just 25 miles from Augusta. The NASCAR Awards Banquet held last Friday night put closure on the 2005 season. The champion, Tony Stewart, was appropriately honored, while Rusty Wallace's brilliant career came to an end, as did Ricky Rudd's. Now everyone's attention and focus will quickly turn to 2006. Here’s what to expect.
The NASCAR Awards Banquet held last Friday night put closure on the 2005 season. The champion, Tony Stewart, was appropriately honored, while Rusty Wallace's brilliant career came to an end, as did Ricky Rudd's. Now everyone's attention will quickly turn to 2006.
As many race fans know, there been a plethora of driver's changing rides. There were so many that instead of writing about those, you can go to Jayski.com or NASCAR.com to keep up with all of the changes.
However, what we can talk about is my early 2006 NASCAR forecast. Please note, however, that some of these might change as the season approaches.
Who'll Be The Champion? Greg Biffle. He won a season-high six races in 2005 and was a threat at almost any type of track. He's a champion in the Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Busch Series, and he's destined to be the first driver to win a title in all three of the major series.
Who'll Win Rookie Of The Year? Denny Hamlin. Most of you will pick the two-time Busch Series champ Martin Truex Jr, but even more impressive was Hamlin is his handful of Cup starts. Truex will have a decent season, but he's among one of the best rookie classes of all time. He'll have tough enough time finishing ahead of Clint Bowyer and Reed Sorenson in the rookie standings.
Who'll Win The Daytona 500? Tony Stewart. He's well overdue. He's dominated the last two Daytona 500's only to fall short to Dale Earnhardt Jr (2004) and Jeff Gordon (2005). Once Stewart wins the 500, he'll have conquered almost every crown jewel in NASCAR. The only thing he'll lack is the Coca Cola 600, Talladega and Darlington.
Who'll Win The Most Races? Carl Edwards. The last time the champ has won the most races was in 2001. That streak will most likely continue. Edwards is fast on the speedways and the schedule favors the cookie cutter 1.5 mile tracks. He'll probably rack up about 5 or 6 wins in 2006, but he'll continue to struggle on the short tracks and road courses.
Who'll Win in 2006 That Didn't Win in 2005?
* Jeff Burton. Without question, Richard Childress Racing is bound for a breakout season. When that happens, Burton will be a regular in victory lane again.
* Jamie McMurray. He won't make the chase, but he'll win a race or two. Roush Racing will not have 5 teams in the top 10 again.
* Casey Mears: Should have won the 2005 season finale at Homestead.
* Brian Vickers: He's of the caliber of his other three teammates, but he has shown flashes of brilliance. He'll get his first win in 2006.
Who Needs To Win in 2006? Elliott Sadler. Robert Yates Racing has fallen behind the other top teams, but they can be competitive. Sadler may or may not win in 2006, but he'll improve on his 2005 results.
Who'll Become The Next First-Time Winner? Casey Mears. As previously mentioned, he should have won the season finale at Homestead. Don't be surprised if he duplicates what Carl Edwards did by winning his first race at Atlanta. Don't expect him to celebrate by doing a backflip.
Who'll Breakthrough in 2006?
* Casey Mears. Once again, Mears will have a breakout year. Don't be surprised if he contends for a spot in the top 10.
* Denny Hamlin. His quick success in Cup is not a fluke and he'll be one of the many first time winners in 2006.
* Clint Bowyer. Just a feeling here, but while Dave Blaney did a great job in the #07 late in the year, Bowyer just seems like a natural born wheelman. He will not be the next Johnny Sauter.
Who'll Struggle In 2006?
* Bobby Labonte. The Petty's struck gold with Labonte. Be that as it may, it will be a while before we see that #43 in victory lane.
* J.J. Yeley. His move to Cup may be a little premature. (I am just as ready to drive in the Cup series as Yeley is. Just kidding.) All jokes aside, Yeley is an unbelievable talent as he's proven in USAC, but he has struggled in stock car racing. He could very well prove me wrong and become the next Tony Stewart.
Who will make the chase?
1. Greg Biffle
2. Tony Stewart
3. Jimmie Johnson
4. Matt Kenseth
5. Ryan Newman
6. Carl Edwards
7. Mark Martin
8. Jeff Gordon
9. Kevin Harvick
10. Kurt Busch
Close but no cigar: Dale Earnhardt Jr (this will prompt a lot of hate mail), Kyle Busch, Jamie McMurray, Jeremy Mayfield, Kasey Kahne, Casey Mears, Dale Jarrett, and Elliott Sadler.