As the 2010 NASCAR season approaches, several intriguing storylines have begun to arise from throughout the sport. From potential rule changes, to team switching manufactures, there is sure to be plenty to talk about in 2010. But this week, we’ll take a glimpse at the top five drivers who we’ll be looking at to make news in 2010.

1. Danica Patrick: Who else would be placed at the top of this list than Patrick, arguably the biggest name in American motorsports. The 27-year old Wisconsin native will make her NASCAR debut in February at Auto Club Speedway in the Nationwide Series, and will run in select nationwide races throughout 2010.

Patrick’s success in the Nationwide Series could make or break her chances of a potential Sprint Cup Series ride in the near future, and all eyes will be watching. NASCAR desperately needs a driver that can boost the public intrigue of the sport, and Patrick certainly presents that type of persona.

Followers also hope Patrick can help NASCAR get away from the public’s perception of the sport as a “white male, good-ole’-boy” stereotype, by giving the sport the successful female driver it has previously failed to sustain.

2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: No doubt NASCAR’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to pack the stands week after week, and sell at merchandise haulers left and right. But when it comes to on track results, Junior has failed to obtain the success many thought he would when he left the team his father founded for Hendrick Motorsports in 2008.

While teammates Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, and Jeff Gordon finished first, second, and third in the final standings for 2009, Earnhardt finished a career low 25th. Several sources report that owner Rick Hendrick is unhappy with Junior’s results, and will be looking for an improvement in 2010.

Some sources even say that if a large improvement isn’t seen, Earnhardt Jr. could be looking at an early exit to his five-year contract. I don’t see that happening, due to the sheer amount of money Earnhardt attracts to Hendrick Motorsports regardless of his success, but it will certainly be something to look for in 2010.

3. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski shocked the NASCAR community when he stole a victory from Carl Edwards and rose to NASCAR stardom at Talladega. A longtime protégé under the Hendrick Motorsports wing, Keselowski decided to jump ship to Penske Racing to become the full-time driver of the No. 12 Dodge, instead of awaiting the retirement of Mark Martin and a near-certain seat in the No. 5 Chevrolet.

Keselowski’s success in the Cup Series full-time will be something that will be watched closely by several, as many still see Keselowski returning the Hendrick in the near future. How Keselowski competes in equipment other than the superior Hendrick cars should give a good indication of his future in the sport.

4. Martin Truex Jr. and Jamie McMurray. Two drivers who are looking to prove themselves with new teams in 2010. Truex will move over to Michael Waltrip Racing from Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to drive the No. 56 NAPA Toyota, while McMurray leave Roush Fenway Racing to take over Truex’s former No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet at ERG.

While both drivers were among the best drivers in the Nationwide Series at the time they competed (Truex with 13 victories and two championships, and McMurray with seven victories) both drivers have failed to perform as expected in the Sprint Cup Series.

With only four wins between the two drivers (McMurray with three and Truex with one) and a career best points finish of 11th for both drivers, the move to a new team could be the deciding factor into whether Truex and McMurray can compete at the top level in NASCAR.

5. Jimmie Johnson: Three in a row was a statement. Four in a row was highly improbable. Five in a row? If anyone can accomplish that feat, it appears Jimmie Johnson would be right at the top of the list. For four straight seasons, no matter what the situation, no matter what track or what time of the race, Jimmie Johnson was never far from contention.

Only time will tell if Johnson will continue to dominante the sport like he has and continue his unprecedented run as NASCAR’s champion. Maybe Johnson shouldn’t be the fifth driver to watch on this list… maybe it should be “The driver who dethrones Jimmie Johnson.” I don’t know if that will happen, but I do know of at least 42 men who will be trying their hardest to see that it does in 2010.

Bruce Knoll, 17, of Eldora, can be contacted by email at bknoll jr4cmcherald@yahoo.com