• Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices

Franklin County Times
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyles
  • Obituaries
  • Records
  • Subscribe
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a news tip
  • Submit a photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Birthday announcement
  • Engagement announcement
  • Wedding announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
    Franklin County Times
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
    Archives
     By  Staff Reports Published 
    6:49 am Sunday, February 3, 2008

    Picking the final dozen

    By Staff
    Jeff Findley
    Franklin County Times
    In 2006, Kasey Kahne won a series-best 6 races and finished eighth in the final standings. In my annual pre-season predictions of the Chase eligible drivers along with the champion, I picked Kahne to finish second in the final standings last season. Well, when Kahne finished 19th in the final standings and shut out of Victory Lane, my prediction skills shone brightly.
    However, my predicting ability, or lack thereof, will not prevent me from announcing my picks for the 12 Chase spots and the Sprint Cup champion for the 2008 season. So, here it goes. The 12 drivers that will make the Chase, in no particular order, will be:
    1. Jimmie Johnson: Johnson has a worst finish of fifth since the Chase began in 2004 and is only one of two drivers to compete in all four chases. The No. 48 team will attempt to win three straight championships in 2008. That will be a first since Cale Yarborough won three cups in a row in 1976-1978. Johnson will no doubt be a threat, but he will not top Cale.
    2. Martin Truex, Jr: 2007 was a year of firsts for Truex with a first win and a first appearance in the Chase. 2008 will also be a big year for Truex as he becomes the face of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. All the attention, resources, and money of Teresa Earnhardt will be put behind Truex as Teresa tries to prove the company can be formable without a driver named Earnhardt driving.
    3. Kasey Kahne: Evernham Motorsports is now Gillette Evernham Motorsports and Budweiser is now on board as primary sponsor for Kahne. After a bitterly disappointing 2007 season for all GEM drivers, Kahne has something to prove, as does Ray Evernham. With nothing to worry about except performance, Evernham gets this team back on top.
    4. Elliott Sadler: After finishing 25th last season, this a bold prediction for Sadler. However, the same reasons Kahne will make the chase applies to Sadler.
    5. Jeff Gordon: Gordon seemed to be a much different driver from the last several seasons. From bumping fenders with Jimmie Johnson early in the season, Gordon seemed to be a much more aggressive driver. This is a no-brainer as Gordon continues to move up the career win ladder.
    6. Kevin Harvick: The defending Daytona 500 winner will again have a solid season. It will be tough for Richard Childress to repeat a super 2007 season when all three of his drivers made the chase and finished in the Top 10, but Harvick will be solid again.
    7. Kurt Busch: Busch will either have to make the first five races on speed or use his champion's provisional after swapping owner's points with new teammate Sam Hornish. That shouldn't be cause for much concern at Penske Racing. Kurt becomes the first Busch to make the chase.
    8. Kyle Busch: Kyle becomes the second Busch in the Chase. After getting the boot from Hendrick, "The Shrub" landed on his feet with Joe Gibbs Racing and the No. 18 ride. M&Ms is the new sponsor and Toyota is the new manufacturer. Many people say Kyle has as much, if not more, pure talent than anyone in the series. He will make the Toyota execs smile in 2008.
    9. Tony Stewart: I heard someone say last week, "Tony Stewart is just Tony Stewart." Enough said.
    10. Carl Edwards: The Cat in the Hat, Jack Roush, got his apple cart tipped a bit last season with sub-par showings in the Car of Tomorrow. With every race in the COT in 2008, the Roush guys will be prepared. I know Ford sure hopes they get it right.
    11. Matt Kenseth: Matt is the other driver, joining Jimmie Johnson, to compete in every Chase since 2004. There is not a more consistent driver on the track and when you don't make mistakes, you have success. Kenseth will be there in 2008.
    12. Dale Earnhardt, Jr: I don't think it will be as easy as people think for Junior in 2008. I hope the early expectations and demands don't get the best of Junior as he moves to Hendrick Motorsports. Like I said last week, going winless in the first few races of the year will raise the whispers of "is it the driver or is it the equipment?"
    And the 2008 Sprint Cup champion will be Tony Stewart. After the dismal performance last season by Toyota, no expense and no resource will be spared to ensure 2008 is successful. The engineering and motor-building expertise that Gibbs brings to the table combined with Toyota's reputation and willingness to do what it takes to win will help Stewart to the championship. Oh, Tony is a pretty danged good driver, too, and that doesn't hurt.
    Jeff Findley is a guest columnist for the Franklin County Times. Findley is the publisher of the Roanoke-Chowan News Herald.

    Also on Franklin County Times
    Phil Campbell Festival
    Lifestyles, News, Phil Campbell
    Phil Campbell Festival
    Griffin Traylor 
    June 26, 2025
    The Phil Campbell Festival was held June 20-21 at Memorial Park in downtown Phil Campbell. This year’s event featured performances by Jase Swinning, w...
    {"newsletter":"Newsletter"}
    Sparkman joins Belgreen as assistant principal, coach
    Main, Z - News Main
    Sparkman joins Belgreen as assistant principal, coach
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    June 25, 2025
    BELGREEN -- Jacob Sparkman, a seasoned educator and coach, is stepping into a dual role this year at Belgreen High School as assistant principal and o...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Children meet animals during Weatherford Public Library event
    News, Red Bay
    Children meet animals during Weatherford Public Library event
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    June 25, 2025
    RED BAY -- Children at the Weatherford Public Library got an up-close look at a variety of animals during an Animal Tales event that was part of the l...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
    News, Z - News Main
    Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    June 25, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Alicia Swann may be new to her role as Franklin County’s 4-H agent, but she’s no stranger to the community. A Hodges native, Swann steppe...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Argument leads to attempted arson charge
    News
    Argument leads to attempted arson charge
    Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
    June 25, 2025
    RED BAY — A Red Bay man is facing five counts of reckless endangerment and one count of attempted arson after he dumped gasoline throughout a residenc...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Vina, Tharptown coaches face off at Coleman Coliseum
    News
    Vina, Tharptown coaches face off at Coleman Coliseum
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    June 25, 2025
    TUSCALOOSA -- Most summer play dates don’t come with championship banners overhead, or a college coaching legend posing for photos of a father and dau...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Son is sworn in to finish what his dad had started
    Main, Z - News Main
    Son is sworn in to finish what his dad had started
    Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
    June 25, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Grayson Murray was sworn into office on Friday morning as Franklin County commissioner for District 1. Murray was appointed by Gov. Kay I...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Alabama must act to save medical residency programs
    News
    Alabama must act to save medical residency programs
    June 25, 2025
    This July, hundreds of newly matched medical residents are expected to begin their postgraduate training in hospitals and clinics across Alabama. It’s...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Latest Local News
    Phil Campbell Festival
    Phil Campbell Festival
    The Phil Campbell Festival was held June 20-21 at Memorial Park in downtown Phil Campbell. This year’s event featured performances by Jase Swinning, w...
    June 26, 2025
    Franklin EMA seeks grant to purchase scene light
    RUSSELLVILLE The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is hoping to secure funding for a much-needed piece of equipment to improve nighttime eme...
    June 25, 2025
    Children meet animals during Weatherford Public Library event
    Children meet animals during Weatherford Public Library event
    RED BAY -- Children at the Weatherford Public Library got an up-close look at a variety of animals during an Animal Tales event that was part of the l...
    June 25, 2025
    Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
    Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
    RUSSELLVILLE Alicia Swann may be new to her role as Franklin County’s 4-H agent, but she’s no stranger to the community.A Hodges native, Swann stepped...
    June 25, 2025
    Argument leads to attempted arson charge
    Argument leads to attempted arson charge
    RED BAY — A Red Bay man is facing five counts of reckless endangerment and one count of attempted arson after he dumped gasoline throughout a residenc...
    June 25, 2025

    More Local News

    Latest Stories
    Franklin EMA seeks grant to purchase scene light
    RUSSELLVILLE The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is hoping to secure funding for a much-needed piece of equipment to improve nighttime eme...
    June 25, 2025
    Calendar Of Events
    June 28 – Orange Baptist Church VBS,9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., one day only. 8153 Highway 34, Russellville. Theme: “Magnified.” Open to all ages.July 13–18 ...
    June 25, 2025
    Murray, 20, steps boldly into politics of Franklin County
    The adage he’s got some big shoes to fill takes on a whole new meaning for Grayson Murray.On Friday, Murray was officially sworn in as Franklin County...
    June 25, 2025
    Birthdays
    June 25Monica Hovater Stanley Tim Alford Truman Stanley Tiffany Hallman June 26Monica Hovater Stanley Brad Fuller Chris Fuller Kellie Hargett Jo White...
    June 25, 2025
    Red Bay ’24 audit indicates improved finances
    RED BAY – The city’s financial position continued to strengthen over the past year, according to the Fiscal Year 2024 audit.J.C. Johnson of The Sparks...
    June 25, 2025
    Latest Sports
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    BELGREEN -- Jemma Moore has been named to the AHSAA First Team All-State for softball, becoming just the ninth player in school history to earn the di...
    June 18, 2025
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    R U S S E L L V I L L E -- Teaching for Diane Maddox has never been just about grammar rules or reading comprehension, but rather about connection, cr...
    June 18, 2025
    Reynolds rebounds from knee injury, excels in baseball
    Reynolds rebounds from knee injury, excels in baseball
    REDBAY--TyReynolds hasn’t picked out the spot yet, but promises it will be a place of prominence, a semi-shrine for one item that shaped so much of hi...
    June 18, 2025
    ‘Sky’s the limit’ for Phil Campbell aviation program
    ‘Sky’s the limit’ for Phil Campbell aviation program
    PHIL CAMPBELL — Students at Phil Campbell High School recently had an unforgettable learning experience — one that lifted their studies to new heights...
    June 18, 2025
    Tournament raises $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation
    Tournament raises $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation
    Let us share your photos. Information should include the names of all people in the photo, the name of the photographer, and a brief explanation of th...
    June 11, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Special Sections
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Special Sections
      • Sponsored Content

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Submit a Classified Ad
    • Letter to the Editor
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , Franklin County Times