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The Charlotte Observer
Friday, Feb. 16, 2007
Some predictions for the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season from four of the motorsports writers who work with our affilliate newspapers:
David Poole
The Charlotte Observer
The 2007 Nextel Cup champion will be: Tony Stewart
In a season with just about everything changing, the sport's most versatile driver seems like the obvious choice to cope with it.
The biggest surprise making the Chase will be: Elliott Sadler
Actually, I don't think there will be any surprises in the Chase this year. But the driver of the No. 19 Dodge will come closest.
The biggest surprise missing the Chase will be: Greg Biffle
He finished second in 2005, but will miss the playoffs for a second straight season.
This year's breakout driver: Dave Blaney
Bill Davis Racing will have the best year among Toyota's teams.
Issue that will consume the sport this year: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and DEI
Until the sport's most popular driver is signed to a new contract, there's no bigger story.
You won't believe this, but:
Nextel Cup television ratings will go down again this year, mainly because so many of the sport's races are on cable.
Jim Utter
The Charlotte Observer
The 2007 Nextel Cup champion will be: Kevin Harvick
Harvick won his second Busch Series title last season and had his most successful year in Cup. There is no reason he should slow down.
The biggest surprise making the Chase will be: Reed Sorenson
Ganassi is primed to make its first appearance in the Chase, and Sorenson's team appears the one most ready to fit that role.
The biggest surprise missing the Chase will be: Mark Martin
Surely someone believes there is still time for Martin to stay ONE MORE SEASON as a full-time driver.
This year's breakout driver: Casey Mears
Mears' new home at Hendrick Motorsports should help him cash in on his potential.
Issue that will consume the sport this year: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and DEI
In fact, his future might consume all of sports.
You won't believe this, but:
Jeff Gordon will not win a fifth championship. Again.
John Sturbin
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
The 2007 Nextel Cup champion will be: Matt Kenseth
Kenseth will put his team on notice that he won't tolerate the same kind of problems that plagued him late in 2006.
The biggest surprise making the Chase will be: Casey Mears
The support from Hendrick Motorsports helps this underrated driver reach his potential.
The biggest surprise missing the Chase will be: Denny Hamlin
This driver might be a little impressed with himself as he faces a sophomore jinx.
This year's breakout driver: Juan Pablo Montoya
His real talent will begin to shine through in his first full season in stock cars.
Issue that will consume the sport: The car of tomorrow
The new car easily could decide this year's champion, based on whose team took it seriously soonest.
You won't believe this, but:
Fans will quickly tire of ESPN beating them over the heads with blanket NASCAR coverage.
Jim Pedley
Kansas City Star
The 2007 Nextel Cup champion will be: Tony Stewart
He has momentum from the end of the 2006 season, and he's the best driver in the series.
The biggest surprise making the Chase will be: Clint Bowyer
He almost did well enough to make it as a rookie, and now he's another year smarter.
The biggest surprise missing the Chase will be: Denny Hamlin
He got through his first season relatively clean, but might run into trouble this year.
This year's breakout driver: Clint Bowyer
See above.
Issue that will consume the sport: Rising costs
Not just for the teams. Eventually, the cost of being a fan will take its toll.
You won't believe this, but:
Juan Pablo Montoya will win a race this season.