2006 Top Ten, Predictions for 2007

Rousch Racing, in an attempt to make their drivers more "fun", will hire Kenny Wallace as a personality trainer. Mayhem will ensue, the project will be scrapped, and Matt Kenseth will be left with an annoying laugh.
Championship runner up Kevin Harvicks wife Delana gone missing under suspicious circumstances... Harvick reported to be "Happy" again.
Jeff and Ingrid Gordon will give birth to a superhuman baby boy, genetically perfect in every way. Little Jeff Jr. will then hale the second coming of the apocalypse and the end to racing as we know it.
Carl Edwards will be mildly injured attempting to outdo his flip by performing a half-gainer from the side of his car.
Tony Stewart will win the Championship and be jailed, abandoning his current diet, to replace it with a cannibalistic diet in which he will consume other drivers. NASCAR will penalize him and insist he attend an eating disorders group. Smoke Barbecue sauce sales will skyrocket.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will marry country recording artist Jewel, the seed of this union, "Littler E", will go on to battle Jeff Jr. in Daytona for survival of the human race. Tickets for the event "ON SALE NOW""
A botched wrist surgery will leave 2006 Champion Jimmie Johnson with a pirate hook for a hand. His eyebrow will gain sentience and replace Chad Knaus as crew chief. Jimmie and the "Brow" will be voted sexiest man alive by people magazine due in part to overwhelming votes cast by fans in the Midwest.
Rookie of the Year Denny Hamlin will be consumed by Tony Stewart, and was reportedly "very tender, went well with a nice ciante and some fava beans"

Lucky 7 Fantasy Team Owner Thad Fletchall will win both day and night shift race leagues while CO-commentating with Darrell Waltrip for Fox Sports. Said by Waltrip to be the most "knowledgeable and well-liked person" he knows in racing.

I thought I would do something a little different this year, other than the top 10 racing experiences of the season. It's been a strange, and exciting year, both personally and in racing. I was able to watch Terry, Claudia and James Bivins come out of retirement and reclaim their place as the best racing family ever to come out of the Midwest. I saw my seester Kathy, and Pam Hardeman, and all the other Jimmie Johnson fans finally get their just rewards: to see their driver win the Championship and bask in that very unique feeling. Nascarla was in her element the whole season, preserving all the best moments on our website and making them all as exhilarating as they were when we experienced them. I also want to give a shout out to my friend Brian, who really started it all. One day, back in the early 90s, he suggested I watch the NASCAR races on Sunday afternoon. Soon after that, we started our NASCAR Night Shift league, with Jeff and Sharon, and started following the circuit every week. I'm so happy that Jeff won the League this year, I will have your winnings to you soon, really I will. I have since become a student of the sport, and I dare anyone to test me about anything racing. Here are some of my contemplation's about the last year in racing:
Best Racing Moment: Jimmie Johnson passing Matt Kenseth at Las Vegas. That was truly racing at it's best. Enough said. Biggest Whiner: I have thought about this allot. And much to my chagrin, I have to say that Jeff (Gordon) was the whiner of the year. There was a lot to be said of the leaner, meaner, Jeff Gordon. I respect the fact that he needs to be more aggressive to run with these young guns. But his on-track scrimmages with Matt and Tony led me to believe that Jeff needs to focus on winning instead of blaming others for not running well. Sorry, Jeff, you are still SO HOT! Biggest Disappointment: Tony Stewart. The defending NASCAR Champion has everything going for him: a great crew chief, pit crew, sponsor, owner, and a tenacious driver that has won at every level. But he purposely wrecked other drivers on the track. And never did take responsibility of that. He could have killed Matt at Daytona. Sorry, Tony, you are also SO HOT! Best NASCAR Couple: I could say Erin Crocker and Ray Everham. Did you see them together at the banquet? He loves her so much, to put himself out there and say: "This is the woman I love, and to hell with you all." She needs to step up her driving to make sure that no one suggests she only has a ride because she is sleeping with her boss. Jeff and Ingrid: She is a hot model that lured him into her web right when he has a mid-life crisis. OK, does 35 years old constitute a mid-life crisis? Didn't he learn anything from that nasty divorce? Heavy sigh. My couple of the year is Jimmie and Chad. Chad missing the first few races of the season only lit a fire under the 48 crew. Their relationship is anchored with respect, and talent. They will be a force to be reckoned with for years.. Best Racing Personality: Kevin Harvick. What he has done for NASCAR, ever since Senior died, has been a blueprint for all that have come before him, or after. Winning the Busch series in such dominating fashion, competing for the Nextel cup this year, and having so much fun doing all that, he is truly an inspiration to all drivers that follow him. Most Inspirational Driver: Speaking of inspirational: Danny Charles. His dad, Tom Charles, won the Modified Championship at Lakeside last year. Danny's wins at Lakeside this year gives all drivers the inspiration to be all they can be: winning with all the pressure of having a legacy that you have to live up to. Danny always came up and sat with his family after the heat races. He even had a couple of fights in the pits. It seems there is nothing that deters Danny from his goal: winning races and having fun doing so. Best Rookie: Denny Hamlin of course. He didn't have the acrobatics of Carl Edwards, or the legacy of Dale Earnhardt Jr., but he was steady and sure and really kind of cute. Once he gets a hot girlfriend, and all the media attention, then we will all see what he is really made of. I'm thinking we will all be very impressed. 2007 Nextel Cup Winner: Matt Kenseth. Slow and steady wins the race. All year he contended, and in 2005, he showed that he could come from behind. Hmmm,. let me think about that for a minute, from behind, he's my kind of man! But what I know about predications is nothing.

I was going to list my top ten racing memories of 2006, but couldn't pick out a favorite, they were all wonderful - it just keeps getting better and better! So here they are - not in any particular order... On Christmas Eve day Terry Bivins let me sit in his modified, Oh My God... fired it up and everything! Still have the chills to prove it!
Meeting Rusty and Tina on the way back to our motel from Texas Speedway - what an awesome couple! Speaking of Texas - what a great road trip for us! The wind was strong, but eased up a little for the Cup race. Tony won the Busch race that weekend, so I got to see him climb the fence from afar... Not so in Kansas this past year - Tony won the race, on empty - literally. Apparently he didn't even know he'd won. We didn't know that we got home - didn't make us Tony Fans feel much better. Oh wait - this is supposed to be the best racing moments... I guess it was still awesome to watch him win, just want a Kansas burnout...

The Petty Ride-Along: For Christmas last year I had bought my friends Stocking Stuffer ride's (can't beat half off!). My daughter showed up with some friends, had most of the 3 Sisters core group there - even had Jennifer Cobb as one of the drivers. You can bet we'll be at it again in '07!
The Daytona Watch Party: Can't say enough about this event - it was AWESOME! Made lots of new friends, won some great prizes - made great memories - can't wait to do it again!
Terry Bivins is driving again!: A Grand National this time - we learned about it fairly early in the year, way too hard to keep under our hats for that long... This was our first effort at making T-shirts, too - at least on that large of a scale - turned out pretty hot looking, if we do say so ourselves...
Race Fest: We got to Tailgate in the middle of the Legends Mall, right across from the Kansas Speedway! A few years ago we had Thunderfest, a race fan event, let us get close to a lot of drivers. Race Fest was similar, much better for us - we got to tailgate and meet lots of drivers, and other race Fanatics as well. The weather was perfect for late September, the Mall is beautiful - there is even a big mural featuring our Grandma Layton. We're pretty much decided that we were meant to be there that particular weekend...

Fantasy Teams: These are always challenging, for me anyway - I'm usually coming in around last place since I tend to play with my head and not my heart. In 2006, I finally won big - and I'm talking BIG (for me). Winning 1st half, 2nd half and Grand Champion, I now hold my head high, and my cash flow's a little sweeter with my $77 winnings. Thanks Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick - we did it!
Danny Charles at Lakeside: Got to see Danny win his first race, man, he was so pumped up, it was thrilling to see a driver get into a win like that, especially on a dirt track. Then, a couple of weeks later, he turned around and won the Tom Karrick Memorial... Even gave us a burnout - thanks Danny!
So now it's time for me to make my predictions for next year: Scott Riggs will win the Cup Championship, with Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Dale Jr., Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon getting into the top ten. It's still hard for me sit on just one - I'm thinking Ricky Rudd will kick-ass after his year's vacation, 50 isn't old, we're just getting warmed up!

wreckin' isn't of his doing!) He took some hard licks last year, and I will never forget the picture of the lone driver sitting atop the equipment box watching the laps tick off as they pound out the dents in the garage! I predict Kasey will win 3 races in 2007 and have a much easier time of the Chase. 8. #29 - KEVIN HARVICK Now that Kevin has found his way back into the Chase, I look for him to do all he needs to to stay there. I think he is a much happier Harvick, and has channeled the energy fueled by frustration in 2005 to a contained confidence in 2006, and it should carry into 2007 as well. Unless they stumble with the COT changes and the frustration again rears it's ugly head, I predict the new sponsors of the 2007 #29 car, Shell, Reeses and GM will be smiling 3 times in Victory Lane - once for each sponsor! 7. #24 - JEFF GORDON Here's an interesting statistic - as a married man, Jeff Gordon won 3 of 4 Championships in the late 90's. I have always believed beside every good man (or race car driver) is a good woman - and since he's married her he can just settle down and concentrate on driving! It's got to be distracting to be in those movies, fighting the tabloids over topless photos, and flying off to secretly get married during the season! Of course if he shares in on all of Ingrid's late night pickles and ice cream cravings he might have to borrow Tony's old drivers suits! I think Jeff will win 3 races this year, and be more focused on his drive for five! 6. #25 CASEY MEARS I'm going to replace my pick of Hendrick driver #5 in 2006 for #25 in 2007! I think Casey will be a perfect fit as a teammate to Jeff and Jimmie, and that Kyle will struggle to fit in with the looks - I mean likes! - of them! If he can settle in quickly and happily, communicate well with his new team and sponsors, I predict he will win a race in 2007, and make his first appearance in the Chase. If that is asking for too much, too soon then I'm okay with that, because I think it's just a matter of time before he's a consistent threat to win like his Hendrick teammates are each week. 5. #11 - DENNY HAMLIN Sophomore slump? Unfortunately past seasons have shown it is something you just cannot ignore. In recent history, Jimmie seems to be the only driver that hasn't been sidelined by it. I would never count the rookie year as "beginner's luck" for any of the drivers, but I do think the biggest obstacle to the 2nd year is that now you know what's going on, what the routine is, and that there are some things you are supposed to worry about! He's proven he can handle the pressure, has the talent and loves every aspect of the sport, so if he can learn NOT to sweat the small stuff I predict he will win 2 races, avoid the slump and set his sights on challenging Jimmie's record of top 5 finishes in his first 5 years! 4. #8 DALE EARNHARDT JR If Jr. can stand a year of "when are you going to win the Championship" talk, he can withstand all the changes he has to deal with this year! He seemed so much more relaxed at the track last year, and making the Chase only added to that comfort. I think he will come out strong, win Daytona and another 2 races this year, but think he will fall short of the Championship again, having to endure the "always a bridesmaid, when a bride?" stories another year. 3. #17 - MATT KENSETH If Roush struggles early with the COT I think Matt and the 17 team will pay the biggest price. He was already very vocal the latter part of '06 and publicly questioned some of the decisions and moves the organization made. (Not enough to lose his ride like Mayfield, but maybe that example helped curb his comments some.) I don't think Matt or Robbie are very happy right now, and they have to find a way to channel that frustration into something positive for their own sakes. They are for sure one of the most consistent and powerful combinations in the garage, and if they can adapt well, regroup and refresh during the off season I predict they will win 3 races, and once again take the Championship battle down to Homestead. 2. #20 - TONY STEWART I think Tony's karma was against him as we headed into the Chase in 2006, possibly paybacks for the earlier incidents when he was his own worst enemy racing too hard and not too smart in some instances. I don't believe he will make that mistake again, and I think he will come out strong, stay strong and finish strong, and we will hear Homestead referred to as the "Hardware Bowl" for years to come! He will win a series high 5 races in 2007 and lose the Championship by less than 20 points to... 1. #48 - JIMMIE JOHNSON That's right race fans... Jimmie will be the first repeat Champion since Jeff Gordon in 1998! It might be too much to ask for he and Chad to avoid the mid-season theatrics, but I do love the comebacks! Jimmie has to win next year, because Pam and I were robbed our 15 minutes of gloat - and poor NasCarla, James and my dad and stepmom had to endure the 4 MONTH LONG Homestead race - oh what drama!! gives me chills to think of it! - with me and without the support of the 3sisters racing peeps! Sorry guys, I know and appreciate you all went above and beyond what any sane person should have to - and I promise to repay the favor when the need arises! I predict Jimmie will win 4 races this year and again take top honors - and that big ol' paycheck as 2007 Nextel Cup Champion!! ROOKIE OF THE YEAR PREDICTION - I am going to have to pick Paul Menard, the driver of the #15 DEI Chevy as Rookie of the Year. With Tony Eury, Sr. calling the shots, and his Busch experience I think he has the edge on the other candidates. I believe Juan Pable Montoya will the the media and fan favorite, but that alone will be a hindrance rather than a help. Paul will be able to slide in under the radar and take the honors while Juan Pablo is still at the press conference.

Kathy Beth's Predictions for the 2007 NASCAR Season...
Hmmm...my 2006 predictions didn't exactly turn out so well, (4 out of 10...11 actually since I was wrong about Matt not making the top 10) but boy was I right on about the most important one!! I am still very excited to celebrate with Jimmie - and like he said - am looking forward to celebrating his Championship up until the checkered flag falls at Homestead 2007 (and beyond? see below...) 2007 will be like the beginning of the 2004 Season and the Chase format. There are always many changes to take into consideration that affect individual drivers and teams, 2007 even brings a new manufacturer to the series, but the Car of Tomorrow brings in a challenge to level the field. The COT, as it's not-so-affectionately been dubbed, will be phased in at 16 races, the first being the Bristol race in April. I believe attitude will play a big part in the COT, and none of the teams can afford to whine, complain or grumble about it, they have to adapt - and quickly - because one or two of the teams will just "get it" from the get go! (As of Dec. 6 that appeared to be Hendrick Motorsports, "being the only model that had passed through NASCAR's meticulous inspection process thus far". I'm sure that has changed by now, or they would be hitting the panic button throughout the garage!) It will be a distinct advantage to the teams who get comfortable with it sooner instead of later! Another change that will affect the whole season is Toyota joining the ranks of manufacturers. It sounds like they are having the hardest time of all fine turning their COT, but in many ways they have a unique advantage over the other manufacturers. Change is always hard, at every level, but they don't have any "old ways" to hold on to at the Cup level, maybe making the transition easier? Only time will tell, but their reputation for quality built vehicles in the consumer industry is stellar, and if it carries over to their stock cars they could come out of the garage strong. They certainly came up to speed quickly in the truck series, with their first Championship in only their 3rd full year in the series. I haven't picked any Toyota drivers to drive their way into the Chase the first year, but I know lots of people don't agree with that prediction. Time will tell! So, with all this technical and statistical information studied and computed in my little brain...here are my guesses... I mean predictions... for 2007. Top 10 Nextel Cup Drivers... 10. #99 - CARL EDWARDS I believe Carl should be the poster boy for the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy for 2006. He finished the season well, 7 top 10's in the last 10 races - when they reunited him with his winning crew chief of 2005, Bob Osborne. If he struggles early in 2007, hopefully Jack Roush learned his "patience is a virtue" lesson! I predict Carl will be backflipping his way into Victory Lane 2 times in 2007. 9. #9 - KASEY KAHNE Kasey deserves the honors for the "Timing IS Everything" poster boy. I think the point standings reflect it is easier to overcome a short stretch of bad luck than it is to readjust from winning to wrecking every other week (even when most of the time the

TIME TO WRAP UP 2006!!! Predictions - Memories - Comments

TIME TO WRAP UP 2006!!!
Predictions - Memories - Comments