The 2015 NASCAR season kicks off this weekend, and Atlanta Motor Speedway president Ed Clark has offered his annual predictions of what to expect during the upcoming NASCAR season.
Even amid new structure of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2014, Clark’s predictions a year ago were close to hitting the mark across the board, with four of his six predictions coming to fruition.
Without further ado, here are Ed Clark’s predictions for the 2015 NASCAR season:
Strong season for Edwards
“Carl Edwards’ move to Joe Gibbs Racing will pay dividends. Look for him to have a solid season and hit his stride in the second half of the year and win four races in 2015.”
Smoke will rise
“Tony Stewart will return to Victory Lane this year for the first time in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series since 2013. Tony comes into the season with an extra spring in his step and what looks to be a renewed focus. Look for that to translate to improved on-track performance.”
An Elliott repeat
“The star of Chase Elliott will burn even brighter. He’ll not only repeat as NASCAR XFINITY Series champion, but will post two top-ten finishes in his five-race foray into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this year.”
Larson breaks through
“Kyle Larson had one of the best seasons last year among Sprint Cup Series drivers who did not win a race. I expect him to break through for his first win in NASCAR’s top division this year and be a factor in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. It’s not a matter of if Larson will win but when he will do so.”
Gordon finishes strong
“It’ll be a bittersweet year for most of the racing community in Jeff Gordon’s final full-time season behind the wheel in NASCAR. Gordon will be very determined to finish off his career on a high note. Look for him to win three races this year and be among the final four drivers in the final round of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.”
The No. 3 returns to Victory Lane
“Not since the year 2000 has the No. 3 car won in NASCAR’s top division. That’ll change this year, as I predict Austin Dillon will earn his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win. Dillon a season more experienced and has a full year with his Sprint Cup team under his belt. Dillon finished every race last year, and being able to finish races running is a big step already made toward claiming his first victory.”
Logano will be the champion
“Joey Logano had a breakout season last year, winning five times and finishing among the four drivers in the championship round. He’ll continue to cement himself as one of the sport’s top drivers this year with a Sprint Cup Series championship. There’s an old saying that ‘you have to lose a championship before you can win one.’ Logano and his team came close to winning one last year. Joey is at that age as a driver when the top-tier guys really start to shine, and he has the maturity to get it done and win a title.”
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