Trouble in Turn2

It’s time for the annual pastime of making predictions. Earlier this week I made some general predictions about what 2008 may hold. Now it’s time to make my best guess at who will be the dirty dozen to stand on stage after the fall Richmond race with goofy, over-designed Sprint graphic hats and pose for Chase pictures (you may want to bookmark this for gloating later). In particular order:

• #48 Jimmie Johnson His team is the best in Cup until someone rips the mantle from his shoulders.
• #20 Tony Stewart He’s a lock unless the transition to Toyota hits a major roadblock.
• #17 Matt Kenseth Has never missed the Chase and he is consistent everywhere. Well, except road courses, but those don’t really count!
• #2 Kurt Busch Busch is good enough to overcome any and all of Dodge’s inadequacies.
• #18 Kyle Busch A Cup to match his brother’s is coming within the next two years.
• #99 Carl Edwards Roush will be better this year and Edwards could be a darkhorse title contender.
• #29 Kevin Harvick It’s go time for Happy and Berrier.
• #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr Wins? Check. Chase? Check. Championship? Not yet.
• #24 Jeff Gordon It’s tough to top 2007. He’ll regress some and might face a tougher year than expected.
• #1 Martin Truex Jr Truex is the primary beneficiary of DEI’s new direction.
• #07 Clint Bowyer Last year was not a fluke.

If you’re keeping score at home, you’ll notice that’s only 11 spots. That’s because I’m baffled on the 12th spot. The competition this year could be tighter than last year and I have four main candidates with their Pro’s and Con’s towards making the Chase.

#12 Ryan Newman Pro: Newman is a top 12 talent. Penske has everything Newman needs.

Con: Penske doesn’t always utilize all the tools properly. A third car could thin the organization.

• #9 Kasey Kahne Pro:If he avoids wrecks and GEM regains their 2006 speedway form, he’s in.

  Con: Dodge as a manufacturer is well, Dodgy. How do they handle the CoT?

• #42 Juan Pablo Montoya Pro: Showed incredible progress in rookie season and has world class ability.

  Con: Ganassi equipment is still second-rate until further notice.

• #31 Jeff Burton Pro: Made the last two Chases and RCR has all the tools.

  Con: The competition looks stiffer this year and it’s hard to see RCR getting three berths again.

• #11 Denny Hamlin Pro: Gibbs and Toyota looks like a fierce combination. Hamlin keeps improving.

  Con: Something was sour with Hamlin during the Chase last year. Is he due for a letdown?

So you tell me, who is the 12th man in the Chase? Do you agree with the top 12? Tell me your top 12 picks.