Halfway Home: Dollars And Hopefully, Some Sense.

Well, here we are, half-way through the 2010 season.  (Wasn't the Daytona 500 just last week?)  There have already been numerous stories to tell, rivalries to cheer, and some of the best racing we've seen in a long, long, time.

Jimmie Johnson and Elliot Saddler, and Carl Edwards, became first time Dads.  Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya are expecting.  Kyle Busch is engaged, and everybody is pretty much pissed off at everybody else.

But there's some serious issues going on too.  Like will Jimmie Johnson get five straight titles?  I don't think so.  I'm thinking Kevin Harvick, is the real deal and will bring it home.  If not Harvick, Denny Hamlin.  Or possibly even Kurt Busch.  Kyle's just not ready yet, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., by his own admission, still has a lot of work to do.  Oh, and after 31 years, Daytona, gets a new track surface.

The economy, has played as much of a role in NASCAR this year as the cars themselves.  Several teams have closed up shop all together, and there have been some mergers.  Kevin Harvick, the points leader for most of this season, still doesn't have sponsorship lined up for next year.  It's not a done deal, but I'm betting the house, that Budweiser will be on the 29 next year.

The other thing we're hearing is that Mobil 1 will be Jeff Gordon's primary sponsor next year, with DuPont staying on in a lesser role.  Pepsi has been thrown into the mix.  And now, we're hearing that Wal Mart wants to play in NASCAR too.  Must be a tough problem to have.

Here's what I think is going to happen:  Mobil 1 and Pepsi will co-sponsor Jeff Gordon.  I've already told you what I think about Harvick.  Wal Mart will sponsor Kasey Khane in the 5, as Mark Martin will go to Red Bull.  That last part was painful to write, but I'm just calling it like I see it.

Old Spice is leaving Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas racing at the end of this year.  That leaves both cars in that shop with only partial sponsorship.  I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see Miller Lite pull out of it's deal with Penske to help them out.  I just don't see Brad Keselowski and Miller Lite as a good sponsor/driver fit.

What do you guys think?  Have your say now, Beatin' and Bangin'.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.  These predictions and opinions, are based on my observations and years of covering NASCAR.  Please don't go wagering hard-earned money thinking I'm a know-it-all expert.