NASCAR

On the heels of that thrilling playoff finish and armed with a charismatic champion, a hot crop of young drivers and a rejuvenated Junior, NASCAR may be on the verge of its most captivating season in years

A quick preview of 2012, including key story lines, quirky quips, SI's preseason awards and a chat with last season's runner-up

A year of fun-to-remember and wish-we-could-forget moments

| DIED |

Seemingly out of the title hunt midseason, Tony Stewart caught fire in the Chase and capped a historic run with a head-to-head win over Carl Edwards at Homestead for his third Cup crown