The Final Word – What I want from the 2015 NASCAR season

A new season, new hopes, new drivers, old drivers with new teams, and a whole lot of things I want to see come out of 2015.

I want Danica Patrick to do well. In the words of the classic song by Melanie, she has done alright for a girl, but it is time to expect more.

I want Dale Earnhardt Jr. to build on last season’s exploits, to win, to gel with his new crew chief.

I want Jeff Gordon to go out with a bang.

I want Jimmie Johnson to challenge for seven.

I want Brian Vickers to get well and to get back to where he belongs.

I want a season without outside drama for Tony Stewart and a return to success on the track.

I want to see Jeb Burton challenging the Danica Line, to be in a ride good enough to earn a minimum of 700 points over the season.

I want Kurt Busch to be known for his awesome talent and his outstanding character, on and off the track. Okay, he can be feisty…just not a weasel.

I want Kyle Busch to convert his early race dominance into late race victories in Cup, and to realize that by running an average of 25 Xfinity races per season he robs an up-and-comer of valuable seat time.

I want to thank Matt Kenseth. A five race schedule on the junior circuit is more than enough for an established Cup star and former champion.

I want Jamie McMurray to do well. He has all the tools to be a star, but not the results.

I want Martin Truex Jr. to bring Furniture Row racing back to the heights they enjoyed when Kurt was behind the wheel.

I want good seasons for Richard Petty, Michael Waltrip and Richard Childress and all who sail with them.

I want people to remember that Kasey Kahne also drives for Rick Hendrick.

I want Kevin Harvick to stand tall in defending his championship, with Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle in the mix. I want the best to be among the best.

I want more entries that matter. There are 28 who manage to average a 25th place result over the course of the season or better, but there is room for at least one more to break through, to contend rather than just participate.

I want a season where cars can pass, that the only thing keeping them from doing so is the quality of the ride and his (or her) ability.

I want to hear broadcasters who can take me on a three or four hour escape, who through their talents make even a dull race good, and a good one great.

I want no races lost due to Fox Sports not being picked up by cable companies in Canada. We already have to do without the ARCA race from Daytona. So, please, no rain outs.

I want Steve Byrnes back.