Many moons ago when I wrote for another paper, I did a race prediction at the end of every column, in which I actually spent time doing research (shocking, I know) on drivers' performances at that week's track.

For my entire tenure, I got two race winners right.

Of course, that's terrible. I think a monkey drawing names from a hat could do better than that.

That's what's called lowering expectations, because this week's column is dedicated to rolling out my predictions for the 2010 NASCAR season.

Raybestos Rookie of the Year

I like to think that I follow NASCAR pretty closely, and I actually had to look up who the candidates are for this year's award. The star-studded list includes Terry Cook and Kevin Conway and, um, that's it.

Cook has had a relatively successful Truck Series career, and Conway, well, maybe he brought a sponsor.

Can I predict neither one? It's my column, so yes, I can.

I am canceling this one due to lack of interest.

First Driver to Lose His Ride

I know this sounds mean, but hey, it fits.

Congratulations, Mr. Conway. I didn't pick you for rookie of the year, but you do get this honor. Look on the bright side, you'll have plenty of time to pursue your other interests when your team folds due to lack of interest and performance.

Rivalry of the Year

NASCAR is undoubtedly looking to build rivalries among its competitors. I think it may get a little more than it bargained for with one that has been brewing between Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski.

What will take this one over the top is if Hamlin takes off his knee brace (he will be racing all year with a torn ACL) and goes upside Keselowski's head with it.

I can hope, can't I?

The two went at it last year on several occasions and have already had an on-track fracas in practice for the Daytona 500 - we're talking about practice, people. It should be an interesting year if the No. 11 and the No. 12 get near each other on the track a lot.

The Chasers

I looked back through my predictions for 2009, and I got seven of the 12 drivers who qualified for the Chase correct.

Thanks Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer and Matt Kenseth. Jerks.

This year, I'm refocused, and I'm going to get 'em all.

Here goes.

This year's Chasers - the only guys racing for anything meaningful past Richmond in September - will be Kurt Busch, Mark Martin, Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards.

If you are scoring at home, that's five Chevrolets, four Fords, two Toyotas and one Dodge. Well, if you are scoring at home, you wouldn't care.

I tried to justify a way to add Marcos Ambrose to the list, but I'm just not that self-delusional. But Ambrose in the Chase would be incredibly awesome.

Also, notice that Earnhardt got left out this year. Maybe next year, rock star.

2010 Sprint Cup Champion

All the talking heads I hear on my TV keep telling me that Hamlin may be the man to beat for the championship this year. Not to go all Ric Flair on ya'll, but to be the man, you've got to beat the man.

And right now Jimmie Johnson is the man and ain't nobody beat him in four years. I don't think they will do it this year, and the No. 48 will pick up championship No. 5.

I think Tony Stewart will give Johnson a run for his money this year, but I just don't think 2010 is going to be the year that that No. 48 crew gets dethroned.