It's hard to overstate the importance of finishing in the top 35 in owner's points — doing so guarantees the team a spot in the first four races of the following season. If you finish out of the top 35, you're forced to get in on speed alone.

This team was in dire straits through the first 19 races of the season. With Jason Leffler behind the wheel, the team managed just five top 20 finishes and did not qualify for one of the biggest races of the season, the Coca-Cola 600. This was not only an embarrassment to Joe Gibbs Racing, but it also put the organization in hot water with big-money sponsor FedEx.

The 25-year old Hamlin, who made his mark racing late model stock cars, was discovered (almost by accident) at a Gibbs tryout session. Until his start at Kansas, he had never sat behind the wheel of a Cup car.

A win may be a lot to ask for out of this team in 2006. However, Hamlin has drawn comparisons to Carl Edwards. Expect another pole or two and finishes consistent enough to keep him in the top 20.