THE OUTSIDE GROOVE’S 2005 SEASON PREVIEW

1-5: The cream of the cream of the crop
1. 48-Jimmie Johnson
The Case For: Has Hendrick power…or is that Childress power…or is it finally running on hydrogen?
The Case Against: The lingering curse of Mike Skinner.
Fun Fact: If he wins the championship, 25% of the winnings go to Brooke Gordon, and 25% goes to Honda.
2. 8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Case For: Has the support of Tony Stewart, one of Nascar’s calmest and most well-balanced drivers.
The Case Against: Lack of time due to commitments of appearing in commercials for Michael Waltrip’s sponsors.
Fun Fact: His goatee is on loan to Martin Truex.
3. 12-Ryan Newman
The Case For: No longer has the advice of Rusty Wallace to depend on.
The Case Against: Team has already written in a 43rd place finish at Daytona…IN INK!
Fun Fact: Recently acquired Bobby Labonte’s haircut, circa 1992, at a charity auction.
4. 24-Jeff Gordon
The Case For: Now the elder statesman of Hendrick Racing (seriously!)
The Case Against: Charged with making Kyle Busch marketable.
Fun Fact: After this year, look for Jeff Gordon to go to Formula One…to see a race. This comment made Brian France mess himself.
5. 17-Matt Kenseth
The Case For: He’s the TOP Ford driver.
The Case Against: He’s the top FORD driver.
Fun Fact: The media frenzy over Kenseth’s battle with Kevin Harvick proves that Nascar is REALLY starved for a big story.

Tomorrow—spots 6-10.