As the calendar year turns the corner to 2012, already the anticipation for a new NASCAR Sprint Cup Season is at a high pitch. Immediately after Homestead, as a new champion was cherishing an incredible feat, already things began changing.
Teams lost drivers, while others lost crew chiefs. Some found new jobs right away, while others are still on the outside looking in.
While some teams are still trying to figure out how their teams will look for the upcoming season, some have already begun preparations for the new year, and some are already looking forward to getting the new season started. It is only 54 days until the Daytona 500, and everyone is anxious to get back to the track, and see who's got it all lined up.
That being said, it is time to preview the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, one organization at a time.
To start off the series, the first focus will be the most dominant organization during the last decade, Hendrick Motorsports. Between 2001 and 2010, Hendrick won six championships, including five in a row by one driver. Last year, after some major changes in the off-season, every team seemed to have more swagger, and more confidence.
Although the title eluded Hendrick in 2011, there is no questioning everyone is ready to get the new season under way. Here's a look, driver by driver, at the stable Hendrick is bringing up for the new season.
JEFF GORDON: No. 24 AARP Drive To End Hunger Chevrolet
If there was any driver within Hendrick Motorsports, or for that matter the entire series, that saw a complete turnaround from the season prior, it was Gordon. In 2010, Gordon came so close so many times to getting a victory, but yet couldn't seal the deal. Questions about his team were rampant through the year, and eventually once the season came to a close, changes came.
Now, with Alan Gustafson aboard the pit box, along with a new sponsor on board a familiar car, a fresh start for Gordon was seen. Right away, Gordon won the pole for the Daytona 500, then one week later ended a winless streak dating back to 2009 with a victory at Phoenix.
Over the summer he won again at Pocono, a track he hadn't won at since 2007, and then scored career win No. 85 in Atlanta. Gordon finished eighth in the standings, after having some struggles in the Chase, but no one can question the great improvement he found over the course of the year.
The upcoming year will be just another step in a career that is already Hall of Fame material. How much longer Gordon will race is still unknown, but he's not going out struggling each week.
This team can still win a title, and is capable of doing so at any time. Look out for "Big Daddy" to be back come February.
JIMMIE JOHNSON: No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet
Alas, the streak had to end sometime. After five years of dominating the Chase, it was seen that Johnson and team are in fact mortal.
Last season by many means was a down year for Johnson, at least statistically. His total of two wins was his lowest of his career, and it was the first time he finished outside the top-five in the standings of his career. Plus, internally there seemed to be some issues between he and crew chief Chad Knaus. Bickering on the radio, struggles with handling...something seemed off.
Keep in mind, this team had a bullseye on it's back the size of Texas, as every team wanted to knock off the reigning champion. Now, he's in a position not seen in five years; gunning to regain his crown.
Johnson can still get the job done, there's no doubt, but he needs to come out of the box with tenacity, and make everyone aware that 2011 is a done deal, and he wants his title back.
DALE EARNHARDT JR: No. 88 Diet Mtn. Dew/National Guard Chevrolet
Speaking of high expectations, there were none higher than those for the most popular driver on the circuit. After a 2010 season that saw lack-luster results, the team changes Hendrick employed during the off season seemed to be very necessary for Junior.
Now working with Gordon's old team and crew chief, Steve Letarte, it was almost like he was reborn. Just listening to the conversations on the radio all season everyone could hear a more confident, and determined driver. Letarte became the lead cheerleader and kept Junior thinking he could win, and nearly did on occasion.
His bump out of the way at Martinsville, and then his heartbreak on fuel mileage at Charlotte, were as close as he got to winning. But, Junior was in a position he hadn't seen in years...near the front of the pack.
He made the Chase for the first time since 2008, his first season with Hendrick, and was jubilant each time he got behind the wheel.
Last year seemed to only be the beginning for the driver of the No. 88 Chevy. Look for big things in 2012 from this team.
Kasey Kahne: No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet
Finally there's the new kid on the block, or in a way the kid in waiting. In 2010, Kahne signed a deal to take over the No. 5 car from Mark Martin once his season and contract were up. But, with Martin in the car for 2011, Kahne needed a ride.
Thankfully, Hendrick worked a deal with Red Bull Racing for Kahne to run for one year in one of their team Toyotas. Unfortunately for the team, it would not only be the only season for Kahne as their driver, but their final one in competition as they closed the doors on the team in December, having failed to find a buyer for the equipment.
But, Kahne wanted to make sure that the team didn't leave on a bad note. So, during the Chase especially, Kahne was near the front every race, and played spoiler in Phoenix as he got the victory, one he wanted to get for the team before he left.
Now, Kahne steps into the car that Martin nearly took to a title in 2009. Expectations are already high for Kahne, and he gets to keep Kenny Francis as the crew chief for his team.
This will be a breakout season should Kahne get rolling right away, so watch for this young gun to have both barrels loaded.
The next team preview for 2012 will be the one that almost, literally almost, won the 2011 Sprint Cup title...Roush-Fenway Racing.
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