Everyone is probably wondering who could possibly knock Jimmy Johnson and the 48 team off the championship throne in 2011. Well, on the top of my list is runner up in this season's point championship, Denny Hamlin. Although he and his team failed in the gas mileage game during the 2010 season they still looked very strong with that second-place finish.

But also watch out for his teammate Kyle Busch. In 2010, Kyle was plagued with inconsistency for much of the season. Kyle has a lot of talent and can drive a car. The evidence is clear especially in the Nationwide Series where he posted a record of 13 series wins this past year. I can really see Kyle battling out there for the 2011 point championship.

What’s next for Happy Harvick as the 2011 season is only 10 short weeks away? Well I will say this. Harvick showed a lot of life when the Chase began. I see Harvick being another one that will be in the run for the 2011 points championship. Kevin's teammate Clint Bowyer had a tough break this season, as they were hit with a 150 point deduction after their car failed post race inspection. If it wasn't for that Jimmy Johnson and Denny Hamlin would have had a lot more pressure on them going into Homestead for the final race of the season. Who knows if the 33 team didn't get that penalty the whole points race would have gone in a different direction.

Jeff Gordon didn't capitalize on making the Chase in 2010. Probably the biggest disappointment to Gordon fans. I think Jeff's fan base is just like any other drivers fan base. We all want our drivers to win and make the points championship, and when they don't it’s the biggest disappointment for the season. At that point everyone is thinking, "Oh well! There is always next year."

What about Gordon’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Dale Jr.? After yet another winless season and finishing 21st in the points chase, he still walked away with the most popular driver title for the 8th straight year. Even though I follow him as a driver and a fan, I don't expect much from him. A win here and there if it happens would be nice. But I will say this, everyone has their day and Dale Jr. is bound to get his. The 2010 season opened with a second place finish in the Daytona 500. I expect the same for 2011, if not better with a win. Dale is a good driver we all know that, but as a driver you can only do so much. I believe 2011 will be the year we see him also battling for that top spot in the chase. The 88 team is hungry. June 15, 2008 was his last win. So everyone knows he is a driver never to count out, after all his last name is Earnhardt.

Stewart Haas drivers, Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman will also be top competitors for the championship. SHR had a great year in 2010 and they will be a force again next season.

The 2011 season opens with the Shootout on Feb 12 when teams will set the tone and we will see if Jimmy and the 48 team pick up where they left off at Homestead in 2010. So till then keep an eye on HardcoreRaceFans.com for all your NASCAR racing news.

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