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New drivers, new teams, new attitudes. Here is what's happening in NASCAR this season:

Come back, fans!
Racing's 2009 season opens this month with hopes that its eroding fan base will return. But as the nation grapples with recession, will racing rans go to the track and tune in on TV? Staff writer Dustin Long explains.

Ed Hardin: NASCAR must junk corporate image
One week from the 51st running of the Daytona 500, there's no buzz in the air. Only days away from the Twin 150s (or the Gatordade Duel, as they're now known) and there's not even any noise. Read Ed's column.

20 questions for 2009
Mergers, closures and partnerships have changed the Sprint Cup landscape. But hey, if Tony Stewart can hire Ryan Newman — the man who passed Stewart on the final lap to win last year's Daytona 500 — anything's possible. Read Dustin Long's story.

Dustin Long's 5-minute guide
Five drivers on the hot seat, 5 races not to miss, 5 drivers to keep an eye on and 5 more. Read the story.

Dustin Long's NASCAR predictions
Auto racing writer Dustin Long picks the 12 drivers who will make the 2009 Chase as well as the one who will win it all. Check out his picks.

New owner hopes to learn ropes at 180 mph
The hard part, Tony Stewart says about being a new NASCAR Sprint Cup owner, is learning the names of all his employees. If only that were the biggest challenge. Read the story.

2009 Sprint Cup driver capsules
Meet the drivers who will be competing in NASCAR's top circuit this season. Read them here.

2009 Sprint Cup car numbers
See which cars will be at the track this season. Here's the list.

2009 Sprint Cup teams
You think the driver changes are confusing? The team changes are even more dramatic, as several mid- and lower-tier teams came and went and merged. See the 2009 team lineup here.

2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
The 36-race season kicks off Feb. 15 with the Daytona 500. This year's Chase starts Sept. 20 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and ends Nov. 22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Races are carried on WGHP-8 (first 13 races), Speed (the All-Star race on May 16), TNT (races 14-19) and ESPN (races 20-25) and WXLV-45 (the final pre-Chase race at Richmond and the 10 Chase events).

2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule
The 35-race season starts Feb. 14 at Daytona and ends Nov. 21 at Homestead. ESPN will carry most races. WXLV-45 and ESPN each will show a handful.

2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule
The 25-race season starts Feb. 13 at Daytona and ends Nov. 20 at Homestead. All but two races will be shown on Speed. WGHP-8 has two races.

Final 2008 Sprint Cup standings

2008 Sprint Cup race results