by Matt Dusenberry

Just about 15 minutes after the checkered flag flew over Tony Stewart’s championship-clinching victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November, I was ready to head to Daytona immediately to start it all over again. Most of my industry friends thought I was crazy, but every Member I spoke with had the same attitude I did: the more NASCAR the better!

Last season was incredible for NASCAR, and all signs point to that momentum continuing into this season. As much of a fan as I am of the on-track action, my favorite part of being at the track is having the opportunity to bench-race with thousands of passionate Members each season. From talking about Trevor Bayne’s stunning Daytona 500 victory with fans through the first part of the year, to debating the decision to park Kyle Busch after the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, opinions differed but the passion was the same.

This season promises to be just as strong as last season. To put some predictions in ink that you can all call me out on later….Dale Earnhardt Jr. will win the 2012 Daytona 500 and the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will come down to a Hendrick/Roush Fenway battle in Homestead! Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart will thrive with their new crew chiefs but won’t have enough to contend for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title. After finishing last in the ONMC VIP team fantasy NASCAR game don’t put too much stock into my picks but maybe this is a Stewart-like run like at predictions!

It is great to be back to the track after itching to get out of the office and back to the Members all off-season. Please stop by and say hi to Bryan Perlmutter, Matt Hickson and myself at tracks all across the country this year, because we are just as excited as you are to be back at the races!

See you around the next turn!

FINALLY…IT’S TIME FOR DAYTONA ACTION!