The Writer’s Roundtable is the weekly column to where our writers discuss one of the trending topics right now in the sport

The 2022 season is upon us so let’s start off with some fun discussions. Our writers were encouraged to share some bold predictions – things they believe will happen this year and why. Are they on the target, or did they miss the mark? Feel free to let us know, while sharing your own.

#2: Austin Cindric, Team Penske, Ford Mustang eCascadia

Mitchell Breuer
1. Austin Cindric will have a terrific rookie campaign, at least two wins.

2. Kurt Busch, AND, Bubba Wallace make the playoffs.

3. Sam Mayer wins at least twice.

4. Tyler Ankrum makes the Championship 4.

Cole Cusumano

1. Tyler Reddick will have a break-out multi-win season and make a deep playoff run. He was knocking on the door for numerous wins last season and I think once he win his first, they will become more frequent.

2. We will see an abundance of first-time winners. I’ll go with five, and among those five; Reddick, Daniel Suarez and Austin Cindric.

3. Struggles continue for Kyle Busch. The driver of the No. 18 has been outspoken in his criticism and difficulties of driving the Next Gen car. I think he’ll win a race, maybe two.

#22: Joey Logano, Team Penske, Ford Mustang Shell Pennzoil

4. 22 in 2022 — Joey Logano will become a two-time Cup Champion.

5. Landon Cassill will win a race with Kaulig.

6. Both RFK Racing Fords make the playoffs and Brad Keselowski will get a win in his debut season and a Cup team co-owner, leading me to …

7. Brad Keselowski will win the Daytona 500 on his 13th attempt.

Ashley McCubbin

1. The NextGen car is the talk of the conversation, but diversity of talent will produce great racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It’s why we’re going to see at least 10 different drivers in victory lane – Noah Gragson, Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry, Sam Mayer, A.J. Allmendinger, Ty Gibbs, Daniel Hemric, Sheldon Creed, and Brandon Jones are among those

2. Daniel Suarez will win a NASCAR Cup Series race this season. We saw promise out of Trackhouse Racing in their inaugural campaign with the Mexican contending up front multiple times. Now if you add in stronger resources with purchasing Chip Ganassi Racing, the cards are there for success.

3. Kyle Larson will dominate once again, and this prediction is based on pure talent alone. Now will he go back-to-back? Let’s put him inside the Championship 4 and go from there.

#8: Tyler Reddick, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet Camaro Guaranteed Rate

4. I will back up the claims of Reddick and Mayer by my fellow writers. Their portfolio from 2021 is all that needs to be inserted for proof.

5. Bubba Wallace will fail to win a race, while Kurt Busch does. This is something that boils down to pure talent as Kurt will prove the capabilities of Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s team, bettering the mid-pack consistency shown last year. Wallace, meanwhile, will probably remain there.