The final checkered flag has fallen on the 2008 season and what a season it was. Jimmie Johnson captured his third straight championship and tied Cale Yarborough in the record books. Carl Edwards showed he will be a threat for years to come and proved Fords get some pretty good fuel mileage. Then there was the downfall of Kyle Busch and his No. 18 team. With the season in the books, what do we do now?

For Hardcore Race Fans throughout the NASCAR Nation, each weekend is chopped full of exciting NASCAR action. Practice and qualifying on Friday, more practice on Saturday and the big show on Sunday. With no more racing until the series rolls into Daytona in February what are we supposed to do?

Don't fret; we at HardcoreRaceFans.com are committed to bringing you all of the latest news and developments throughout this entire off-season. Be on the lookout for a few new features, including crew member profiles and the return of the 'A Look Back' - where we highlight some of the greatest moments in the sport's storied history.

While there may not be any more racing on the track, the news never stops. Mergers and lay-offs have hit race teams now more than any other time in the history of the sport and the number of talented drivers without a ride secured for next season continues to grow.

This off-season will be unlike any ever before and we are committed to keeping you the race fan in the loop. So, be sure to check back to HardcoreRaceFans.com all winter long as we prepare you for the 2009 season and beyond.