Bill Fleischman's NASCAR season forecast

FLEISCHMAN'S

FORECAST

Daytona 500 winner: Tony Stewart

12 in the Chase: Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kevin Harvick, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, David Reutimann.

ON THE HOT SEAT

Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Again. With teammates Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon finishing 1-2-3 in last year's Chase, Earnhardt has become the odd man out at Hendrick Motorsports. Last season, Earnhardt managed just two top-five finishes. He needs to win a race or two this year.

Carl Edwards: Talk about a form reversal. Edwards went from winning a series-leading nine races in '08 to zero wins last year. He needs to bounce back with at least a couple wins.

Martin Truex Jr.: After finishing a disappointing 23rd in points, the New Jersey native is starting over. He left Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing to join Michael Waltrip's stable. Pat Tryson, from Malvern, will be his crew chief, so this team should receive considerable support from the Mid-Atlantic region.

Sam Hornish Jr.: It's his third full season in the Cup Series. Time for the former IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner to pursue a spot in the Chase.

- Bill Fleischman