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Kyle Busch celebrates in victory lane after winning the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. (Geoff Burke/Getty Images Photo) ยป More Photos
Hard to believe, but the NASCAR Sprint Cup season is half over already, with 18 of 36 races in the books. And that means it’s time for SPEEDTV.com’s midseason driver report card.
Grades are assigned strictly on a curve, meaning there are the same number of A’s and F’s awarded, the same number of B’s and D’s, with the largest group being guys who get grades of C.
These grades take into account a number of factors: Points position, position relative to teammates, position relative to expectations and recent trends. I put particular weight to how drivers are performing relative to their teammates and who has over- or underachieved so far this season.
So here goes:
A+ Kyle Busch — Busch has blown away the field this year with six victories and 11 top fives. So far, he’s in a class of his own atop the Sprint Cup standings. Love him or hate him, he’s earned the only A+ grade of the season with his performances.
A: Dale Earnhardt Jr. — Second in points and he’s consistently outperformed his Hendrick Motorsports teammates in his first season with the team. ‘Nuff said.
Carl Edwards — With three victories, he might well be Busch’s strongest competition when the Chase for the Sprint Cup rolls around.
Jeff Burton — As consistent as death and taxes, though not as fast as Busch and Edwards. Needs to get faster if he’s to win the championship this year.
Brian
Travis Kvapil — Twentieth in points with a car that has little or no sponsorship and what essentially is a start-up team. Now that’s something to be proud of.
B: Jimmie Johnson — Has won a race and been fast sometimes, but finishes have been a problem. Still, he could get hot at any time.
Jeff Gordon — Usually finishes better than his car run, though both he and Johnson are well off last year’s amazing pace.
Kasey Kahne — Hot and cold, Kahne has shown he could be a threat at title time. Most importantly, he’s got his confidence back after a miserable 2007 season.
Denny Hamlin — Solidly in the top 10, but nowhere near what teammate Busch has accomplished. How much of that is racing luck?
Clint Bowyer — Still good, just not as good as last year, though he has won a race already.
Mark Martin — Martin’s per-race point average is ninth-best in the series. He might be pushing 50, but he can still bring it.
David Ragan — Talk to other racers and they’ll tell you Ragan might be the most improved driver on the circuit this year.
David Gilliland — Has quietly stepped it up at Yates Racing after a nightmare 2007 season.
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