I have read numerous articles on what may happen in the Nextel Cup for the 2005 season. As a person that tries to keep up with NASCAR, I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts for this season.

Although my titles may have a humorous element behind them, the hope is that you come away with some insight as we head into a crucial year for NASCAR's elite series.

Here we go.......( fingers crossed as I speak )

A Chip On My Shoulder: I am referring to Ganassi Racing. Look for a lot of news out of this camp---both on and off the track. Most would feel that I am only talking about Jaime McMurray and his impending future. Either way, whether with the 2 car or remaining at the wheel of the 42 car, McMurray should come out well financially and win multiple races in the Nextel and Busch Series. In my opinion, Casey Mears was the most improved driver of 2004. He won poles, led races, and even flirted with making the Chase last year--long shot as it was. If Mears makes as much progress in 2005 as this past year ( which I think he will ) then look for this driver to break into the win column and finish somewhere between 15-20th in the standings. I also look for Sterling Marlin to improve over a sub-par 2004, he is always a threat at the plate tracks and I think Sterling has something to prove in 2005.

Drive For Five: Although this phrase may be used by Jeff Gordon and his team in 2005, I intend to use the statement for the " experienced " drivers of the Nextel Cup Series. With Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace in their final seasons and veterans such as Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd knowing their time is coming, I feel strongly that the group of drivers over 45 years old will win a combination of 5 races this season. I know many will feel that I am predicting this more with my heart than head but remember something. Martin and Wallace probably should have won at least 2 races each and they will be more determined than ever to close out the season on a high note. I am also convinced that Jarrett will break into the win column in 2005, he's still too good not to make it to Victory Lane, especially with that Roush-Yates power under the hood.

Safety First: Didn't Mom say it best? Seriously, NASCAR has made major strides over the last 4 years in this area and I commend them for it. From SAFER walls to improved driver seats, stock car racing is more safe than ever before. However, more can be done, and with the Car of Tomorrow to be introduced in 2006, NASCAR is headed in a positive direction. I feel this season will be the start of more improvements on pit road and the garage area. Look for reexamination of pit road speeds on many tracks and the possible redesign of entrances onto pit road. As we saw during the ARCA race this past weekend, both media and race officials must be prepared for most anything in the pits. Although speed and cars will always produce an element of danger, I feel we still have some progress to be made within the tracks workspace. No one wants to eliminate the ability for the fans to reach out to the driver and teams, it just has to be put in a proper perspective.

Foxy Lady: With no disrespect to Jimi Hendrix, the " Lady in Black " Darlington Raceway's night race on May 7th will be a major success. From the start, I have felt that prime time racing at NASCAR's oldest superspeedway would be a hit among fans, similar to what we see at venues like Bristol and Richmond. The better news for Darlington is that I feel that NASCAR will announce the move of the Darlington race back to its proper place on Labor Day weekend in 2006. Although I would like to say it is solely for tradition, the reality is that ISC will want to see the Los Angeles market as part of the final 10 races for the Chase for the Championship, pushing their date back into October or November. No matter what the circumstances, let's see a Labor Day race back at Darlington.

10 + 2 = 1: Believe it or not, I did not make a numerical error or flunk Math in the 3rd grade. The reality is that we will see more than 10 drivers make the Chase for the Championship in 2005. I am going out on the limb and say that 12 drivers will make the final cut with the possibility that 2 or 3 more drivers could've made the cutoff with a little luck. Remember, it was a distinct possibility to have seen 15 drivers in last year's Chase and this year more drivers and teams will be paying attention to that 400 point spread much earlier than before and race accordingly. It will be more important this year to see if this will come about, otherwise NASCAR may pull the plug on a 400 point break from the leader after the 26th race. Race hard guys and let's see what happens.

I hope I did not bore you with some of my thoughts and ideas for this season. Whether all or none of these predictions come true, enjoy the Nextel Cup Series this season.

Jeff Turner
McLeansboro, IL

earnhardt25@hotmail.com