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Maybe My Crystal Ball is Foggy

(Crazy and Wild Predictions for 2008- ARCA and Sprint Cup)

2/9/08: SOZ Studios, MI - By Dennis Michelsen "DMIC" (RaceTalkRadio.com)

Every prognosticator has given his or her prediction of the champion and rookie of the year for this season. But today as we get ready for the start of the season with the Budweiser Shootout and ARCA 200 to kick off the season, I offer some slightly wilder predictions. Sit down, strap in, and feel free to sound off!

*** Rev Up for the ARCA 200, Tune into ARCA Thunder Today on RaceTalkRadio ***

ARCA RE/MAX Predictions

Champion- Bobby Gerhart

Rookie of the Year- Scott Speed

Now that the easy predictions are out of the way let me go out on a limb. Part time drivers often have breakthrough success in the ARCA RE/MAX series. The last two years we have seen more first time winners in ARCA than any other major series. Let's take a look at other guys (and ladies) to keep an eye on this year.

First Time Winners

Dexter Bean-Switching from family owned team to Spraker Racing Enterprises will put Bean in victory lane three times and also in championship contention.

Scott Speed-This guy can drive and will adjust to stockcars very fast! But will he celebrate in victory lane with milk and cereal?

Ricky Stenhouse Jr-Another driver expected to adjust fast to the bigger and heavier cars. Roush Racing has high hopes for this youngster and he will score a speedway win.

Patrick Sheltra- Nicknamed "Showtime" from his dirt track days, look for Sheltra to realize you can't win a race on lap one but you can lose it. Will win on short track or dirt.

Sleeper Picks

Craig Goess Jr- Eddie Sharp Racing will campaign Goess Jr in the Camping World East series full time but look for Craig to have some success late in the year in ARCA too!

Jack Baily- No one seems to be sure how many races D'Hondt and Baily will run this year but this is a talented driver with an owner that knows how to build fast cars!

Alli Owens- Keep an eye on this talented young lady…she can drive!

Bryan Silas- Showed signs of brilliance last season and will be vastly improved in 2008.

Sprint Cup Predictions

Champion- Kyle Busch

Rookie of the Year- Michael McDowell

Hand me a dirty rag for my crystal ball and let's take a whack at some other predictions for 2008.

Toyota Sweep at Daytona- Look for the Toyota brand to start 2008 with a Bud Shootout and Daytona 500 double play!

First Driver Fined- Kurt Busch

Brian France promised us a kinder-gentler NASCAR when it comes to fines and penalties and I am not buying it one bit! Kurt Busch showed his temper in practice for the Bud Shootout and will not make it through Speedweeks without a fine!

First Driver Fired- Jacques Villeneuve

Change of manager and lack of sponsor (along with lack of desire) will sack Jacques early in the season.

First Crew Chief Punished- Chip Bolin

First year Crew Chief will push the envelope looking for speed

DEI Shut Out

As Dale Earnhardt Junior enjoys three wins at Hendrick, his old team will go winless and two of their teams will fall outside of the top 35.

Surprise Chaser-Brian Vickers

Last year they missed the top 35 and this year they will make the Chase

Petty Takes the Checkers

Bobby Labonte will show that this past champ is not washed up!

HAAS De-Automated

As both of their new drivers fall out of the top 35 they will wonder why they made the switch this season!

Hornish On Rye Except on Sundays

Despite the free gift of starting spots in the first five races, Hornish will fall out of the top 35 and fail to make at least 5 races this season.

First Time Winners

David Reutimann- One of the most underrated drivers will deliver a win for UPS

Michael McDowell- Rookie will be a big story this season.

Dario Franchitti- Montoya got it done last season on a road course but Dario will do it this season on a speedway.

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