Here is a NASCAR preview I wrote for Chalk. It will be featured in the April print version of Oddsmaker Magazine.

Jimmie Johnson vs. Jeff Gordon

As Jimmie Johnson celebrated his second straight Nextel Cup victory in 2007, all the other drivers including those on his own team at Hendrick Motorsports were left scratching their heads wondering how they would be able to beat Johnson in 2008.

Teammate Jeff Gordon came as close as you could get to earning his fifth title in 2007 without actually winning it. Under the old point system he actually would have won it with two races left to spare. It is the second time that Gordon has been through this in the Chase era, leaving experts to wonder if recovery was possible.
Despite a slow start to the new season, JJ and Gordon are still the two most dominant drivers on the circuit today. When you take into account how the 2007 season ended and the fact that they are on the same racing team it makes for a very compelling story. Both drivers are expected to cash in during the 2008 season but will it be one of them left standing all alone when the Chase for the Sprint Cup concludes?

Jimmie Johnson
Johnson will try to capture a few more early season wins than last year. He only came first once during April and May in 2007 and that was at the Jim Stewart 400. A second-place finish at the Aaron’s 499 and the Nextel All-Star challenge were the other highlights.

April/May track records

Texas Motor Speedway – 1 win, 0 poles
Phoenix International Speedway – 1 win, 0 poles
Talladega Superspeedway – 1 win, 1 pole
Richmond International Raceway – 2 wins, 2 poles
Darlington Raceway – 2 wins, 0 poles
Lowe’s Motor Speedway – 5 wins, 2 poles

Hendrick Motorsports struggled in 2007 on the concrete track of Dover so it could be key for JJ to grab a few wins before hitting the start of June.

Jeff Gordon

The four-time champ must focus on finishing the year strong. But before looking to far ahead Gordon has to try to repeat the success of April and May of 2007. Gordon won three times and finished fourth twice. This would go a long way in matching last season’s six-win performance overall. Factor in this being the third full season of the Steve Letarte reign as crew chief and there is great optimism that the Drive For Five will happen.

April/May track records

Texas Motor Speedway – 0 wins, 0 poles
Phoenix International Speedway – 1 win, 3 poles
Talladega Superspeedway – 6 wins, 1 pole
Richmond International Raceway – 2 wins, 5 poles
Darlington Raceway – 7 wins, 3 poles
Lowe’s Motor Speedway – 4 wins, 4 poles

Last season Gordon came into the 2007 season never winning at Phoenix and he ended that string of losses with a win. In the spring on 2008 it could be Texas Motor Speedway that falls next
Who will win the title in 2008?

As great as Jimmie Johnson has been the last two years en route to back-to-back championships, a third consecutive title for Hendrick’s No. 48 team will be a difficult task to achieve. But there are telling signs pointing to JJ rising to the top again.
Since climbing up to NASCAR’s top series in 2002, Johnson has never finished lower than fifth in the championship. He is one of the smartest drivers, has a great crew chief (Chad Knaus), a great pit crew, Hendrick Motorsports equipment and his focus on winning is similar to that of his owner Rick Hendrick.

Although Johnson is a favorite to win his third straight title, he must share the top spot with Gordon. Gordon had one of the best years in the modern era in 2007 but did not capture the crown.

The four-time champ has lost two championships to the Chase format and most experts believe he won’t let it happen a third time.
Gordon was at the top of the charts in COT races, posting the best finishing average in the series. He finished in the top-5 10 times and in the top-10 14 times.

After Gordon lost the title in agonizing fashion, it makes him all the more dangerous for the remainder of 2008.

Coming off a season in which both drivers did nearly everything right on the track for Hendrick Motorsports, the buzz about the slow start to 2008 is understandable. With so many races left, it might also be premature to think the trend will continue.
Races in April and May will certainly give fans a better idea if Johnson and Gordon are going to dominate the track once again and fight it out for the ultimate prize.
If anyone can beat Johnson in 2008, it is Gordon.

Who will end up the best?

This will go down as one of the most heated debates in NASCAR.
If Johnson can capture the Sprint Cup this year, he will stand alongside Cale Yarborough, who is the only driver to win three straight championships.
If Gordon can stay motivated, overcome last season’s failure and capture a 5th title, the tide will turn his way.
One thing is for sure, both of the HMS drivers will have a major impact on this season’s Chase for the Sprint Cup.

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