Mike Brudenell's 10 things to watch in NASCAR in 2011

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his fight to become a player again.

2. The two-car draft, which could get as boring as Lindsay Lohan's antics by the time Michigan rolls around.

3. Brad Keselowski and "the Blue Deuce" -- the famous No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge.

4. Trevor Bayne: the kid's got speed.

5. The adventures of Kyle Busch, who can win any race but not a Sprint Cup title.

6. The cars, which are looking, mercifully, more like stock cars this season.

7. Ageless Mark Martin: What is his secret?

8. Go Daddy Girl Danica Patrick, who must show more spunk on the track this year.

9. Jeff Gordon, who craves a fifth Cup title and could play hard ball to get it.

10. Oh, almost forgot Jimmie Johnson, who'll be as good as ever.

Contact MIKE BRUDENELL: 313-222-2115 or mbrudenell@freepress.com.