Skirts and Scuffs Predictions: Beth Bence Reinke chooses the champ

As a newbie to the Skirts and Scuffs team, I was a little nervous about making championship predictions for 2012. I’m a seasoned fan, but not an analyst who keeps stats in my head. Nevertheless, I have a gut feeling on a few drivers, so here are my Sprint Cup picks, the 3-Ds: Denny, Danica and Dinger.

Expecting better with Darian Grubb, Denny Hamlin is on Beth's radar
for the 2012 Sprint Cup championship. Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs

Sprint Cup champion: Denny Hamlin

After Denny Hamlin’s second place finish in 2010, expectations were high for the No.11 in 2011. But the team just couldn’t seem to find enough speed to get it done. With only one win and five top 5s, last year was a bum ride for Hamlin. Enter Darian Grubb, coming off a series championship win with a pink slip in his pocket. I think Denny and Darian are eager to show the racing world some muscle, and perhaps a little bit of attitude. I predict the No. 11 team will “click” early in the season and end up winning it all.

Sprint Cup dark horse: Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick is so well known that the “dark horse” label hardly fits her. Obviously, she can’t contend for the Sprint Cup championship with only competing in ten races, but I think she will run well in the top tier. I predict a few top-10 finishes in NSCS and a win in NNS. 

AJ will take home his first checkered flag in 2012 according to Beth.
Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs

First-time winner in NSCS: AJ Allmendinger

With one top-5 and ten top-10 finishes with RPM in 2011, AJ Allmendinger proved he can run well. With an upgrade to the No. 22 Penske Dodge, I suspect he will take at least one checkered flag this season.