| NASCAR Power List |
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The chairman and CEO of NASCAR, France has given the sport a much-needed tune-up in the four years since taking the reins from his father, Bill. Under Brian's watch, NASCAR has added a playoff system (the Chase for the Championship), dramatically improved safety and developed a new design of car (the Car of Tomorrow). Plus, France has brokered two television mega-deals that have helped NASCAR become a mainstream sport. |
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Helton, the president of NASCAR, is the most visible NASCAR official at the track. He's the ultimate arbiter on rules violations and wayward behavior on the track. |
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In his 24 seasons in NASCAR, Hendrick, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, has won six championships and 159 races. Next season he'll boast a driver lineup that will have more star power than any in Cup history: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Casey Mears. |
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The most popular driver in NASCAR by a wide margin, Earnhardt is the face of the sport. At age 32, he's entering the prime of his career, and next season when he moves to Hendrick Motorsports he should challenge for his first championship. |
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Gordon, a new father, is enjoying a renaissance this season and right now he's the favorite to be hoisting the Cup at Homestead in November. He's already won four championships, and by the time he's ready to retire he'll probably have three more. |
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The wife of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. rarely makes appearances at the track, yet her presence is felt every race. Her broken relationship with Little E caused him to bolt to Hendrick, but Teresa has responded by building up DEI, which she owns, into a formidable organization. |
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Waltrip, a three-time Cup champion, is clearly the best NASCAR broadcaster of his time. Funny, witty, and possessing a depth of knowledge that rivals any historian of the sport, Waltrip is often more entertaining that the actual race itself. Plus, when he's critical of something, NASCAR listens -- and often times responds. |
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Why on earth does NASCAR's vice president of licensing and consumer products make this list? One reason: He dreamed up the Chase for the Championship concept. This idea was so good that now professional golf has copied it.
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Gibbs, along with his son J.D., has built Joe Gibbs Racing into one of the elite organizations in NASCAR. In his 16 years in the sport, Gibbs, who's also the head coach of the Washington Redskins, has won three championships and he'll challenge for another this season. His 2008 driver lineup of Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch will be the best he's ever fielded.
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The vice president of competition, Pemberton is trackside each week to make sure all the cars meet NASCAR's specifications. In the garage, Pemberton, a former crew chief, is generally regarded as the smartest man in the sport.
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Though Roush Fenway Racing isn't as strong this season as it's been in years past, Roush is still one of the top owners in NASCAR. He won back-to-back championships in 2003 and '04 and he's been runner-up six times.
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If anyone in the garage is capable of being the voice of the drivers -- an unofficial role once filled by Dale Earnhardt Sr. -- it's Stewart. The two-time Cup champion is never afraid to articulate a controversial opinion, and he frequently shares his thoughts with NASCAR. There's no doubt that Stewart is good for the sport.
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Though Penske has had more success in open-wheel racing than in NASCAR, he's still a powerful figure in the Cup series. Penske Racing is the flagship team for Dodge, and this season Penske's Kurt Busch, who's won two of the last three races, should be a serious contender for the championship.
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The vice president of Toyota Racing Development, Aust is overseeing Toyota's foray into the Cup series this season. Toyota hasn't made much of splash yet, but don't be fooled: Toyota is going to be a force in the Cup series within two years. Remember, Toyota got off to a slow start in the truck series as well, but then started winning races in Year Two on that circuit.
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Montoya, a rookie in the Cup series, makes this list based on his potential. A former Indy 500 winner and Formula One driver, Montoya has energized the entire Chip Ganassi organization and he should be a safe bet to make the Chase next season.
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