Carl Edwards is one of the most popular racers in NASCAR history even though he has never won a Sprint Cup Series Championship before. In his nine year racing career, he has 19 careers wins in the Sprint Cup Series and finished second in the standings in 2011. He also has top-five finishes in the final standings in three of the last four seasons.
Jimmie Johnson also has a legitimate chance of winning the Sprint Cup Series. After winning five straight from 2006-2010, Johnson finished in sixth place in 2011. Maybe falling that far off the lead will motivate him to have a better 2012 campaign?
Back in 2003, Matt Kenseth won his only Sprint Cup Series title. His next highest finish came back in 2006, when he was second behind Johnson. Kenseth won three races in 2011 and finished fourth in the standings. Maybe he has what it takes to outrace the other drivers?
After winning it all in 2011, Tony Stewart now has three Sprint Cup Series wins to his name. His other two came in 2002 and 2005. At 40 years old, Stewart may not have enough left in his tank to pull off another victory.
And of course no one can forget about Danica Patrick. Patrick is the most successful female driver in the auto-racing world. She won an IndyCar Series race back in 2005 and finished third in the Indianapolis 500 in 2009, which is the highest finish by a woman in the races history. Could she be first at the end of her first season in the Sprint Cup Series?
Other racers, such as Kurt Busch and Kyle Busch are always looking to win, but do they have what it takes?
