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2006 Predictions
It's Time, It's Time
Once again it's time for my 2006 preseason predictions!
Well first off I would like to thank everyone for their support and entering OUR fantasy league. For those veterans you know this is not something new. For this year's rookie crop I always put together my predictions for the season. The difference is this year I will post my predictions on the website and you can really hold me accountable throughout the season. So here I go!
First off the Daytona Speedweeks is something I have been fairly right on throughout the years, but I'm not sure about this season, the field is so wide open. I will definitely say that Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon will both be the ones to beat in the Bud Shootout!
I look for Jr. to edge Gordon and get back to Victory Lane at Daytona!
The Twin 125's (or the Gatorade Duals) will be filled with controversy and wrecks, but look for a Hendrick car to win one race and a Yates car to win a race. Most likely Elliott Sadler will win a dual at Daytona next Thursday.
I'm still staying with the dominance of Hendrick Motorsports in the 500. But, I think you will see one of the young guys from the Hendrick stable take the trophy. Either Vickers or Kyle Busch, my pick is …..Kyle Busch. My sleeper pick is Ken Schrader in the #21 Wood Brothers car.
As far as the Rookie crop, there is a lot of talent in the field this year. I think the battle will fall between Truex Jr, Hamlin, Bowyer and Reed Sorenson. My pick will be Martin Truex Jr.
I believe that Kevin harvick will stay unhappy at RCR and will not finish the season. I predict that Kevin Harvick will land at another team that will become a Toyota team in 2007, Maybe Waltrip Racing or Bill Davis Racing.
First Time winners this season will include Martin Truex Jr, and Reed Sorenson. I also believe that Bobby Labonte will land the Petty 43 into victory lane sometime this season.
The Comeback driver of the year will be Kasey Kahne. Most disappointing driver of 06 will be Jamie McMurray.
Look for both Jr. and Jeff Gordon to make it back into the chase. I also believe that Ward Burton will find seat time in 2006 somewhere in NASCAR. Kurt Busch will not get into any trouble of the track, Tony Stewart will continue to demonstrate that his anger issues are behind him and Ryan Newman will talk with more enthusiasm in 06!
Surprise winners this season will include Reed Sorenson, Martin Truex Jr, Brian Vickers, ken Schrader %26 Bobby Labonte.
If Boris Said races he will win this year as well. Robby Gordon will have some strong runs this year with DEI power.
Rusty Wallace will indeed race somewhere in NASCAR's big 3 series.
Clint Bowyer, Kenny Wallace and Paul Menard will battle for the Busch Series title with Menard giving DEI their 3rd straight title. McFarland will win in Dale Jr's new #88 Busch Series team. John Andretti will also find victory lane in NASCAR's #2 season.
The truck series will crown Todd Bodine as the champion. He will run away from Ted Musgrave, Dennis Setzer and Jack Sprague.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will win at a road course. Jeff Gordon will win at one of the tracks he has never one at, probably Phoenix.
OK, OK, I know get to my Top 10 picks, so here I go
The top 10 will look like this going into the chase:
10. Matt Kenseth
9. Casey Mears
8. Ryan Newman
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
6. Carl Edwards
5. Jimmie Johnson
4. Mark Martin
3. Tony Stewart
2. Greg Biffle
1. Jeff Gordon
The Top 10 after the season is over
10. Casey Mears - Flashes of brilliance this year, but inexperience will play a role
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr - Next season the Bud team will be back to championship form
8. Greg Biffle - The Bif will struggle in the chase
7. Carl Edwards - The Benny Parsons dubbed "breath of fresh air " will run out of breath after race 4 of the chase
6. Matt Kenseth - The guy who barely makes it in has a good run in the chase, but falls short of Championship #2
5. Mark Martin - His storied career will end with a top 5 finishing season
4. Jimmie Johnson - Not as strong as 04 and 05, but still 4th
3. Jeff Gordon - Drive for five will have to wait one more year
2. Tony Stewart - He will fall short of title number 3 by less than 40 points
1. Ryan Newman - Most people are reading this and saying, Huh!
Yep - I have a feeling that Ryan Newman will steal the Thunder this season and take the title!
As far as track predictions, look for the Talladega spring race to be the most exciting race, the charlotte races will be the most wreck filled. And Las Vegas will be the most boring, sorry Vegas fans.
Speaking off Vegas, I'll bet that the Kentucky Speedway and ISC will settle their dispute and Kentucky will be on the 2007 or 2008 schedule.
I Will also predict that this will be our best season of fantasy racing this season.
This will stay up throughout 06,
So when I'm wrong don't drill me too hard
But I'll take high fives when I'm right!
Thanks again and see you at the track!
Greg
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