Top Drivers to Watch in the 2008 NASCAR Season - Besides Earnhardt Jr

We're only a few short days away from the real start of the 2008 NASCAR season. Yes, the Budweiser Shoot Out has already happened, and we already saw Dale Earnhardt Junior cross the finish line first, but the real season starts when the points start gathering. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the NASCAR drivers you should be keeping an eye on in the 2008 season.

What makes a NASCAR driver someone you should keep an eye on? Is it the person who wins all the time, or the person who quietly climbs up the leader board while no one notices? Maybe it's a combination of both factors. Keep that in mind while we head down the list.

Kyle Busch.

Kyle Busch has a new team over at Gibbs, and a new car manufacturer in Toyota, but he's still someone to watch, especially in the 2008 NASCAR season. Kyle is a driver out to prove a few things, namely that Hendrick was crazy for ditching him in favor of Dale Earnhardt Jr. look for the #18 M&M's Toyota to turn a few heads in the 2008 NASCAR season.

Tony Stewart/Kurt Busch.

Now of days it seems like you can't mention one of these drivers without mentioning the other. They had two run ins during the 2007 season, and while the 2008 season hasn't even really started, they're going at it again. Tony is looking for championship #3, and the first championship for his new car manufacturer Toyota while Kurt is on the hunt for championship #2. Both of these guys have what it takes to win a championship, now all they need to do is stay away from each other on the track.

Clint Bowyer.

Clint Bowyer is one of the main drivers that you need to keep an eye on in the 2008 NASCAR season. Last season Bowyer broke away from the pack at RCR to come in third in the points standings, and bettering his teammates. This year he'll be looking to keep the momentum going, and to remain the top dog at RCR.

Martin Truex Jr.

Martin Truex Jr is in a precarious position. Despite Mark Martin joining the team, he's now the top dog at DEI. With a strong showing last year, he'll be out to prove that he should be the top dog at his team. The 2008 NASCAR season won't be a championship one for this former Rookie of the Year, but he'll be good for at least one win.

Greg Biffle.