2012 NASCAR Race Previews and Predictions

The Daytona 500 is the most prestigious event on the calendar. Last year rookie Trevor Bayne won in a thrilling finish. Who knows what excitement the 2012 version might bring. Here is what you need to know about the 2012 Daytona 500.

The NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint in January at the Charlotte Convention Center gives NASCAR fans the opportunity to meet more than 50 NASCAR drivers, enjoy showcars, games, prizes and many other activities. Here is everything you need to know about the event.

NASCAR fans can get their first glimpse of the cars and fill their ears with the sweet sounds of NASCAR Sprint Cup engines during the 2012 Preseason Thunder at Daytona. This January test session puts cars on the track and gives fans a chance to get up close for the first time in 2012.

The 2012 Budweiser Shootout features thirty-three of NASCAR's biggest stars in a non-points preseason dash for cash. NASCAR tweaked the qualifying formula again this season. Who is in and how did they get there? Here is the full scoop on the 2012 Budweiser Shootout.

The 2012 Daytona 500 will be here before you know it. Here is a crash course in what you need to know about the upcoming NASCAR season.

The 2012 Daytona 500 will feature a record purse. Over $19 million will be awarded to the field with the winner guaranteed at least $1.4 million. Will Daytona International Speedway force Bruton Smith to up the ante for the All-Star Race in May?

The hype of Daytona is over and now the 2012 Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway begins the rest of the 2012 season. Daytona will still be the focus of the pre-race coverage as Fox is sure to recap last week's bizarre race and the important penalties that came out of Daytona inspections.

The Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has done a good job of predicting NASCAR Sprint Cup championship contenders. Edwards and Stewart were the best here in 2011 and Jimmie Johnson won in 2010. Who will shine this weekend in Las Vegas?

This Sunday the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to the east coast for the first short track race of the season. The 2012 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway is sure to feature some beating and banging.

Jimmie Johnson has been the man to beat in four of the last eight Auto Club Speedway races. This weekend the 2012 Auto Club 400 gives him a chance to add to that record with crew chief Chad Knaus fresh off his winning appeal of his NASCAR suspension.

The 2012 Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway could be considered the only old-style short track left on the Sprint Cup calendar. The racing is tight, passing is tough and tempers are sure to flare.

The 2012 Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway is the first Sprint Cup night race of 2012. Roush-Fenway drivers ruled Texas in 2011. Will that continue in 2012?

The 2012 STP 400 takes center stage this weekend at Kansas Speedway. All eyes are on Hendrick Motorsports drivers as they attempt to break a winless streak and finally score win number 200.

Richmond International Raceway hosts the 2012 Capital City 400 presented by Virgina is for Lovers under the lights on Saturday night. Kyle Busch has dominated this event for the last three years. Will he do it again?

This weekend the 2012 Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway may be the best chance for NASCAR's most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. to break his 138 race winless streak.

Last year Darlington Raceway hosted fireworks on and off the track. Will the 2012 Bojangles' Southern 500 match that excitement?

Bruton Smith has been tinkering with the format of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race once again. See the changes for this year's All-Star event and my predictions for this wild race.