> Caution: Racing stuff ahead. You don't have to read this if you don't like racing. No GP stuff in here. No ralley stuff, no Indy. Just good old red neck stock car stuff. NASCAR. Now if there is anybody still reading, here it is:
>
> I'm not going to embarrass myself this year by making prediction on racing. That's the good news.
> The bad news is that I think I'll say what could or should happen.
>
> Mark Martin - If he doesn't win a championship, there is no justice in this world. He is the class of the field, as far as driving ability is concerned. That puts him ahead of Jeff Gordon, Bobby LaBonte, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jarrett, and Jeff Burton. (in that order)
>
> Joe Nemechek is going to win several races this year. Another deserving driver.
>
> Bill Elliott - Don't count Bill out. If he doesn't do it this year, he will the next year. I expect him to team up with Ray Evernham in a Dodge. Then look out. It could be awsome.
>
> Michael Waltrip and others. There will be several first-time winners this season. Maybe even the big guy.
>
> Wishful thinking? I wish Darrell Waltrip, Dick Trickle, Dave Marcus, and Rick Mast could each win one this season.
>
> Tony Stewart - Okay, he's good. But does he have the maturity to be a champion? I like to watch him race. Maybe I just like to watch Earnhart and Wallace steam.
>
> Bobby Hamilton, Jr. - Young Bobby needs a couple of more years in Grand National Cars, but he and Casey Atwood and maybe Adam Petty are the future.
> Check them out in 2005.
>
> Jeff Gordon - If you think losing his crew chief and over-the-wall pit crew is going to stink up Jeff's carreer, you haven't been paying attention.
> He's almost as good as Mark Martin and he's younger. Look for seven championships and 120 wins. Maybe more.
>
> Ricky Rudd - I've really changed my opinion of Rudd. He's good. He's tough. He's smart. He has the choice ride. If he can keep it on the wheels, he will have a dream year. He deserves it.
>
> See that wasn't so bad.
> Howard

Just for the record, Bill Elliott just won the first of the two 125 qualifying races at Daytona.
That was the one with all of the big names in it and he beat them all. Even lead all the laps.
Dale Earnhart was about 12th and showed his usual brand of sportsmanship.

Robby Gordon and Tony Stewart seem to have sportsmanship problems as well.

Hut Strickland has the Grand National pole, and Rudd is looking good, winning the second qualifier in style just like Bill.
Howard