It was an atypical season for Chevrolet in 2012.

Yes, Chevy won its 10th consecutive manufacturers’ championship in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series and 11th in the past 12 years.

But for the first time since 2004, one of its drivers failed to win the coveted driver’s title.

Prior to Brad Keselowski’s championship last season for Dodge, two Chevrolet drivers — Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson — had racked up seven consecutive titles between them.

Regardless, Chevrolet again enters a new season loaded for bear.

Hendrick Motorsports likely will lead the way again with Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr. looking to repeat their performances of a year ago when all four made the Chase for the Cup.

Johnson is looking for his sixth championship, Gordon his fifth. Kahne and Earnhardt are in the hunt for their first.

Stewart-Haas Racing may face its most difficult test in 2013. Stewart returns but Ryan Newman is signed to a one-year contract and teammate Danica Patrick continues to struggle in her adjustment to NASCAR competition. All three teams need primary sponsorship.

Kevin Harvick will depart Richard Childress Racing after the 2013 season, which has the potential to provide an interesting farewell season.

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing will be looking to recover from a dismal 2012 season by both its drivers, Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya.

Kurt Busch, the last non-Chevy driver to win the Cup title prior to Keselowski, is competing for Chevrolet with the Furniture Row Racing team, which is looking to become a weekly contender for race wins.

Dave Blaney plans to run a full season with Tommy Baldwin Racing again this year while Phoenix Racing hopes to field the No. 51 Chevy in every race, but will use a list of drivers.