With the season set to get underway in a little less than a month, its time to start thinking about the contenders this season. At the top sits four drives that look to be poised for championship runs. Jerry Coons, Levi Jones, Tracy Hines and Cole Whitt all seem to have what it takes to end up in atop the standings in 09.

Jerrry Coons was able to take the 2008 title in his first full time season in the Hoffman 69 on the strenght of a great second half run. Jerry also added the Silver Crown championship to put himself in to elite company as a Triple Crown Champion. With the same team returning this year Jerry has everything in place to make a real run at 3 championships in 09.

For a majority of the season it appeared that Levi Jones was headed towards a third sprint championship, however it didn't quite end up as planned. However the Olney, IL driver did finish in the top 2 in points for the fourth consecutive season. History may also be on his side this yeah as both of his previous championships were won in odd years. With Levi continuing to develop as a pavement driver and returning to the seat of the TSR 20, he must be considered at the top of list of contenders to knock Coons off.

The feelgood story of last seaon was Tracy Hines coming back to after injuries sidelined him in 2007. Tracy notched a pair of victories at Eldora and came oh so close to a midget championship. Add that to a third place showing in sprints and there's no reason that the TSR 21 and Hines won't be major players this year in the sprint points.

Cole Whitt was last years version of Ricky Stenhouse. He had 4 total USAC victories and a midget championship to end a stellar season. With more experience, Whitt will certainly only be more dagerous this season in his quest to add a sprint title to his resume.

One driver can easily end all the hopes and dreams of those four, and that is Dave Darland. In an ironic twist Dave had a resurgence behind the wheel of Scott Benic's 2B. A team that few Darland fans will forget beat him by a scant 13 points with Levi Jones at the wheel. The combination was good for a pair of wins last season at Kokomo and the Ultimate Challenge. If there is some of the old 2005 magic left, this is a duo that will make some noise this season.

2009 Predictions
Champion
Levi Jones
He seems to have the best program on both surfaces and has been a great qualifer, not to mention the most consistent driver for the past four seasons.

Darkhorse
Brad Sweet
While KKR has downsized to a one car effort on the USAC side, Brad came up with huge wins in some of the marquee events like the 4 Crown and the Belleville Midget Nationals. More experience will be key to Brad's success this season

How many drivers will be challenging for both the Sprint & Midget titles?

I half to agree with look out for Darland.In any series.He would half to be my early pick with a triple crown this year not really far fetched.

Jones, Hines, Sweet, maybe Coons if Wilke is running both dirt and pavement. Not sure what Darland's midget plans are. Might be one or two others I'm missing.