For the past seven years, American Idol has spun controversy and television ratings, all the while bringing top musical talent to the general public. In retrospect, major league sports like NASCAR, have been bringing talented competitors to a grand stage for centuries. With a 36-event schedule in one year, it is difficult to dismiss one competitor that is not meeting their potential.

For many the dramatic performances delivered by young raw talent are addicting. As American Idol highlights 12 competitors (under the age of 30) in their personal voice challenges, NASCAR often highlights the life stories and dedication of their talent.

In the Hollywood realm, American Idol is structured with a comical host, and three critical judges. A contender is judged on performance, marketability and like-ability. The television program has turned out hot new talent and spawned the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jordan Sparks to name a few.

NASCAR is not that different. Young drivers thrown into the limelight are left to climb the ladder of success or fail miserably. Their performance and on track actions draw fan attention bringing the driver to stardom. It doesn’t hurt that many drivers are young and good looking.

Race fans are so supportive and dedicated to their favorite drivers that they often wish they could eject their least favorite competitor at the end of each week’s race. A good case in point is Kyle Busch. After his on track incident that left Dale Earnhardt’s car in shambles, most fans would have loved to send him packing. But, racing gives the same people an opportunity to compete at a different venue next week, putting the past behind them.

The closest fans get to voting in NASCAR comes in two places. First, fans have the opportunity to promote one driver that has not earned a starting position in the All-Star Challenge. The fans choice is rewarded the final starting position in the seasonal All-Star Showdown under the lights at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The second vote that fans get to cast is in the Most Popular Driver contest. For the last five years, consecutively, the recipient was Dale Earnhardt Jr. This is no surprise. Every anti-Earnhardt fan would say that he never earned it, and his popularity stems from his father’s success. Regardless, it is a fan vote and realistically he has the most fans.

Fan votes dictate the winner of American Idol, and there are often times when some performances do not warrant votes in a singing competition. The votes are placed by popularity. These competitors are restricted by age to compete and often that young vulnerability steals the show, and appeals to the masses. Like American Idol, NASCAR has an age policy. In racings premiere league, the minimum age of competitors is 18 provided he/she meets the racing requirements and track speed restriction. However, there is no cap on age as long as a driver has a funded ride and the urge to compete. American Idol caps their age policy at 30-years-old. Applying the American Idol age cap to NASCAR’s current drivers gives a dozen men a chance to be the next NASCAR Idol.

The contenders are:

Sam Hornish Jr., a three-time Indy Racing League Champion, made the switch to heavier stock cars late in 2007. ‘Rumor has it,’ that the 28-year-old Bryan, Ohio native feels right at home on NASCAR’s grand stage. He drives the No. 77 Mobil 1, Dodge for Roger Penske, his former Indy car owner.

Denny Hamlin is one of two upstart competitors representing Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing in the top 12. The 26-year-old Chesterfield, Virginia driver earned his first NASCAR series ride in the No. 11 after delivering a winning record in Late Model Stock Cars. Hamlin was known for winning 63 percent of all races he entered that year. Since he has proved that he can deliver results and his sponsor is none other that Fed Ex, Hamlin should be called ‘Mr. Postman.’

Kyle Busch is the ‘Wild Thing’ on the track. The 23-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada gambler is a firecracker with personality. His on track success speaks for itself, and it speaks volumes for his aggressiveness. His fame began when he joined the ranks of Hendrick Motorsports as a racing prodigy. The bigger headlines followed when he chose to join Joe Gibbs Racing in a Toyota for 2008. This driver can manhandle his No. 18 M&M machine.

Clint Bowyer entered the Sprint Cup Series after winning two NASCAR Nationwide Series titles for Richard Childress Racing. As the driver of the No. 07 Jack Daniels Chevrolet, Bowyer is no stranger to hard work. After all, he’s ‘taking care of business’ on a weekly basis. Bowyer earned his first win on the Magic Mile at New Hampshire Speedway in 2007. He backed it up at Richmond in the spring with a little racing luck. Bowyer, from Emporia, Kansas, is a constant contender every week.

Casey Mears grew up ‘California Dreamin’ in Bakersfield. He was also being primed to take over the family’s legacy in motorsports. His father Roger and uncle Rick Mears both had success racing open-wheel cars. Casey began to travel the same road and later decided to join Chip Ganassi/Felix Sabates Racing stock car division. After four winless years, the 30-year-old driver moved to Hendrick Motorsports where he piloted the No. 5 Kellogg’s Chevrolet to his first win.

Kasey Kahne surged into the NASCAR limelight with six wins in 2006. Driving for Gillette-Evernham Motorsports, Kahne has not found consistency in his No. 9 Dodge since that season. The 28-year-old Enumclaw, Washington native earned his racing stripes in the midget and sprint car ranks. With the most sought after sponsorship in racing, Budweiser,’ Kahne should be ‘getting out the good stuff,’ and smoking the competition.

Paul Menard, from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, should be ‘walking on sunshine’ following his best performance in a Sprint Cup car at Talladega this spring. Driving for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, the 28-year-old has remained under the radar in his No. 15 Chevrolet.

Brian Vickers was the youngest individual to win a NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship in 2003. ‘All things considered,’ that title and his friendship with Ricky Hendrick jumpstarted his career. The Thomasville, North Carolina driver remained the fourth member of the Hendrick Motorsports quartet through 2006, but he didn’t sing in tune to the other drivers. As others delivered titles and victories on the track, Vickers earned one controversial victory before moving out and joining Toyota. He now bullies the No., 84 Red Bull machine.

David Ragan is taking his career ‘one step at a time.’ After all, he is following in his father’s footsteps. With two National titles in Bandelero competition to his credit, the 22-year-old Ragan attended a television tryout for Roush-Fenway Racing. The Unadilla, Georgia hot shot earned the contract and a ride in the No. 6 AAA Ford formerly wheeled by Mark Martin.

Martin Truex Jr. is on the hot seat for Dale Earnhardt Inc. The legendary team’s success or demise is riding heavily on his shoulders. From Mayetta, New Jersey, Truex is a two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series titlist. He occupies the seat of the No. 1 Bass Pro Shop Chevrolet. After securing his first win at Dover International Speedway last spring in Sprint Cup competition. Truex is ready to ‘sign, seal and deliver’ better news to DEI in 2008.

Reed Sorenson is the veteran underdog at Chip Ganassi/Felix Sabates Racing. In his third full season of Sprint Cup competition, Sorenson has the most tenure in a stock car amongst Ganassi’s elite wheelers. The media speaks highly of Sorenson’s talent. After all, the shy guy was the youngest ASA Rookie of the Year ever at the tender age of 17. Now, at 23-years of age, the Peach Tree, Georgia driver is ready to ‘pump up the volume’ and ‘read the writing on the wall.’ Sorenson needs to be heard from in a positive way, or he could easily be ousted for a third ringer from Formula One or Indy Car competition. With drivers aiming for his seat, it is appropriate that he runs the No. 41 Target Dodge.

David Gilliland coasted into the Sprint Cup ranks following his quick success in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. On a rollercoaster ride to the top of the racing world, the Los Gatos, California native quickly found his train never left the station. At the age of 26-years, Gilliland remains ‘untamed’ and unprepared for the challenges ahead. In his third year with Robert Yates Racing, Gilliland has been put in a leadership role. ‘The heat is on’ Gilliland to bring the struggling team back to victory lane. The second generation driver occupies the No. 38 machine.

The top 12 NASCAR Idol contenders can ‘drive.’ They have showcased their skills and won the ‘respect’ of many along the way. One thing is for certain, NASCAR has turned boys to men. It is not a sport for the faint of heart. It is a high-speed, non-stop, action-packed, adrenaline filled showdown. Danger is lurking around every corner, and with mere inches between them, human error could turn tragic. Disaster has stroked even the most magnificent of men and machines.

Competition at this elite level takes drivers around the world via every telecast. The sport has changed, gone is ‘yesterday’ when cars rolled off the assembly line and straight to the track. These days, manufacturer advantage is also gone. NASCAR is big business and with it comes big money and big names. The two most synonymous names with NASCAR are Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Advertisements, sponsorships, merchandising and external business endeavors keep these racing entrepreneurs busy, but the opportunities were theirs for the taking. The NASCAR newcomers hope to receive those unique opportunities as well. Every few years, drivers undergo a changing of the guard and begin to turn their reigns over to new, younger faces.

But veteran drivers are also cashing in. Consider Darrell Waltrip who entered the broadcast booth after hanging up his ‘blue suede shoes.’ The two time champion was well known for his ‘Icky shuffle and is now recognized for his commentary and Boogity, Boogity Boogity kick-off to the green flag. Waltrip’s ease behind the microphone is comparable to American Idol host Ryan Seacrest minus the sarcasm. Both are jovial and comical to watch.

Strong personalities in the broadcast booth surround Waltrip and assist in the delivery of racing history, statistics, technical definitions and opinions. Jeff Hammond, Larry McReynolds and Chris Myers are a panel of three experts. Each man’s unique personality traits put him in position to judge these drivers on and off the track. It is best left to the imagination, which one of the three best resembles the British bully, Simon Cowell on American Idol.

The faces of NASCAR are changing, both in the pits and in the driver’s seat. Forty-three competitors will continue to battle for supremacy, one can’t help but wonder which driver will be idolized as the greats begin to retire and take the road less traveled. One of the twelve NASCAR Idol contenders could become a champion of the sport at any time. Some will attempt this feat for years to come, others may fall by the wayside. But a true fan will not forget who finished second.