Five major stories that could highlight NASCAR this decade

We've looked back at what we consider the biggest stories of the past decade, but now comes an even harder task –- figuring out what will make headlines in the next 10 years.

It's nearly impossible to predict where NASCAR will go by the time we reach the 2019 checkered flag, but it's always fun trying to guess.

One more so-so season and you could see Dale Earnhardt Jr. going the owner-driver route. (Getty Images)

The next decade might define whether NASCAR remains entrenched in the world as a mainstream sport and many key decisions will have to be made to keep stock car racing headed in the right direction.

Here are just some of the stories to keep an eye on as we race into 2010 and beyond:

The Danica factor

Danica Patrick's much-publicized move to try her hand at stock car racing will have an extreme effect on both NASCAR as well as open-wheel racing. If Patrick makes a successful transition to full-bodied stock cars, her presence will help bring NASCAR tremendous exposure and surely help cure the recent trend of lagging interest and television ratings. However, that would in turn nearly destroy the Indy Racing League, which would lose her phenomenal star power and leave the American open-wheel world reeling.

Conversely, if Patrick doesn't ultimately make the stock car world her home and washes out of her tryout, it could close the door for other talented female drivers to get a fair shake at making it in NASCAR's top division. To say Patrick's career moves will have a monumental effect on auto racing in general over the next few years is a big understatement.

The Junior factor

Much like Tiger Woods' impact on the golf world, many subscribe to the same theory regarding Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NASCAR. When either athlete is competitive, interest -- including attendance figures and television numbers -- in the sport skyrockets. Earnhardt Jr. needs to turn his career around in a big way after two disappointing seasons with Hendrick Motorsports and much of NASCAR's popularity hangs in the balance. Simply put: A healthy Junior is good for the sport. However, if 2010 turns out to be another dud with Hendrick, look for Earnhardt to elevate his JR Motorsports Nationwide Series team to the Cup level and try the Tony Stewart driver-ownership route.

Tuning in

NASCAR has to hope the eroding television ratings problem that has plagued the sport over the past three seasons rights itself in the coming decade. At stake is a renewal of the sanctioning body's network television contracts, which will certainly carry a reduced rights fee unless the audience numbers head back in the upward direction. There is a possibility a different network partner such as CBS or NBC jumps back into the NASCAR pool when the contract comes up for renewal should one of the existing partners like FOX, ABC/ESPN or TNT decide to get out of the business.

Evolution of the Sprint Cup car

Since making its debut in 2007, the new Sprint Cup machine has been one of the most controversial pieces of machinery to ever race in NASCAR. Three years after its introduction, there are still drivers, crewmembers and team owners who don't like the car and continue to complain about its inability to be driven competitively. And add many fans to that list of unhappy customers who simply don't like the generic look of the car and the fact there is no longer any manufacturer identity. NASCAR may be making a step to alleviate some of those problems by replacing the car's rear wing with a spoiler, which would help both from a handling as well an aesthetic standpoint. But the introduction of the new Nationwide car, which has been designed to incorporate body styles like Ford's Mustang or the Dodge Challenger into competition, may force NASCAR to make similar changes to its top division. Fans have already embraced the new Nationwide machine concept without the car making a single lap of competition and that could in turn bring about a change of appearance in its Sprint Cup cousin.

The dynasty continues

Jimmie Johnson's record fourth straight Sprint Cup title didn't exactly capture much of NASCAR Nation's attention. The dominating performance of Johnson and the Hendrick Motorsports team has turned off many longtime fans tired of seeing the same driver and team winning races and titles. Those folks are maybe in for a long decade as Johnson shows no signs of slowing down and Hendrick continues to be the premier team in the garage area. The 2010 championship will definitely go through the Hendrick camp and Johnson has the distinct possibility of adding a fifth straight title to his string. With Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin in the mix for at least the next two seasons, that trio is the instant favorite to add trophies to team owner Rick Hendrick's mantle. Although it remains to be seen whether Earnhardt Jr. rights the ship and stays with the team, get used to seeing Hendrick Motorsports near the top of the championship standings every year in the coming decade.