1. Hendrick Motorsports- Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, and Casey Mears (Chevrolet)
In 2005, Hendrick Motorsports only placed one driver and team in the Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship. But in 2006, three of their four drivers (Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Kyle Busch) chased the Nextel Cup championship, with Johnson winning it all. Moreover, all four of the Hendrick Motorsports drivers won at least one race. There is no reason to believe that Johnson, Gordon, or Busch will not return to the Chase for the Championship in 2007. The only major change in the Hendrick camp is that Casey Mears will replace Brian Vickers in the 25 car. Mears has been a so-called ‘rising star’ for four years now, so it is time for him to finish rising and start winning.
2. Richard Childress Racing- Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer (Chevrolet)
After several years of futility, Richard Childress Racing once again became one of NASCAR’s elite teams in 2006. Kevin Harvick is finally the perennial championship contender that everyone projected him to be. Veteran Jeff Burton has put a half a decade of frustration behind him, and Clint Bowyer is one of the most promising young drivers on the circuit. Furthermore, Childress added Scott Wimmer to the lineup. Wimmer may attempt several Nextel Cup races in 2007, but he will be a force in the Busch Series. All three of the Childress drivers have a legitimate shot at a spot in the Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship.
3. Roush Racing- Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, Jamie McMurray, David Ragan (Ford)
Once the cream of the crop, Roush Racing is now looking at the back bumper of the Hendrick Motorsports operation, as well as the Richard Childress Racing organization. In 2005, Roush Racing boasted five drivers in the Chase for the Championship, but 2006 was not so kind. Matt Kenseth was clearly the best of the Roushketeers in 2006 as he won four races and finished 2nd in the Nextel Cup standings. Mark Martin also made the Chase for the Championship, but never posed a real threat in the final ten races, and was unable to win a race. Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards were hot and cold throughout the year, and Roush Racing newbie Jamie McMurray was one of the season’s biggest disappointments. Replacing Martin in the 6 car is rookie David Ragan, and he has already ruffled the feathers of several Nextel Cup drivers. Kenseth, Biffle, and Edwards will likely contend for a spot in the Chase for the Championship, but McMurray and Ragan will be fortunate just to finish in the top 20 in the standings.
4. Joe Gibbs Racing- Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, J.J. Yeley (Chevrolet)
Joe Gibbs Racing could be ranked ahead of Richard Childress Racing and Roush Racing, as the three organizations are practically equivalent in strength. Tony Stewart is obviously the ringleader at Joe Gibbs Racing, and Denny Hamlin produced one of the most impressive rookie seasons the sport has ever seen. J.J. Yeley has yet to find the handle that Hamlin has, but the potential is present. Stewart will likely challenge for his third Nextel Cup championship, but Hamlin may struggle to evade the dreaded sophomore slump. Yeley may show some slight improvement, but nothing extraordinary.
5. Evernham Motorsports- Kasey Kahne, Scott Riggs, Elliott Sadler (Dodge)
Kasey Kahne’s six victories in 2006 was tops among all Nextel Cup drivers, but his consistency left a lot to be desired. Scott Riggs enjoyed his best season since joining the Nextel Cup series, but like Kahne, consistency was not his forte. Elliott Sadler joined Evernham Motorsports in mid-season after the malevolent Ray Evernham versus Jeremy Mayfield feud, one that led to the dismissal of Mayfield. Evernham fully believes that he has the driver lineup that can place him in the same class as Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Racing. Evernham Motorsports is the preeminent Dodge team heading into 2007.
6. Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated- Dale Earnhardt Jr, Martin Truex Jr, Paul Menard (Chevrolet)
It was a disconcerting offseason for Dale Earnhardt Inc. Dale Earnhardt Jr bickered with his stepmother and boss, Martin Truex Jr tangled with the law, and Paul Menard has been completely overshadowed by fellow rookie Juan Pablo Montoya.
7. Penske Racing South- Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch (Dodge)
It is doubtful that the Penske Racing group will again suffer through the misery that was the 2006 Nextel Cup season. Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch could possibly become the two most improved drivers in 2007.
8. Robert Yates Racing- Ricky Rudd, David Gilliland (Ford)
Ricky Rudd will not completely expunge the woes at Robert Yates Racing, but he is a step in the right direction. David Gilliland will surprise a lot of people, just like he did in the Busch Series.
9. Chip Ganassi Racing- Reed Sorenson, David Stremme, Juan Pablo Montoya (Dodge)
Despite popular belief, Juan Pablo Montoya will face a very steep learning curve. Reed Sorenson is Chip Ganassi Racing’s best shot at snapping that 5-year winless streak.
10. Michael Waltrip Racing- Michael Waltrip, Dale Jarrett, David Reutimann (Toyota)
Michael Waltrip’s name may be on the building, but Dale Jarrett is the man that will likely put Toyota in victory lane. Michael Waltrip Racing edged out Petty Enterprises, Ginn Racing, and Bill Davis Racing.
