Nextel Cup Team Scouting Reports

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

MINUTES AFTER the morning test session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Jan. 29, the four Hendrick drivers huddled in a circle to compare notes from their runs. The confab lasted only 10 minutes, but the scene revealed the biggest strength of the Hendrick organization: No other team in NASCAR does a better job of sharing information and resources. This season it won't be a surprise if all four of Rick Hendrick's drivers (defending champ Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon and Casey Mears) make the Chase.

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

ENEMY LINES: AN INSIDER ON AN OPPOSING TEAM SIZES UP THE HENDRICK DRIVERS

Every time you arrive at the track you know you're going to have to beat Jimmie Johnson's team. Even if he's slow for the first 100 laps, he'll be there at the end. This team can find speed like no one else.... Casey Mears is in the car that has typically not had success at Hendrick, but he's a great talent.... Jeff Gordon is capable of winning another title, but there's only so long you can compete at a high level in this sport, and Jeff's focus probably isn't as [sharp] as it's been in the past.... Kyle Busch is just flat out fast, but he's got to quit making his own problems.

3 Drivers who have won Cup titles for Hendrick Motorsports-- Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte and Jimmie Johnson--the most for any owner.

ROUSH RACING

THESE ARE uncertain times for Roush Racing, which just two years ago put all five of its drivers in the Chase. Hoping to revitalize his teams after just two made the postseason in '06, Roush has been playing musical chairs with crew chiefs--always a risky move. Last year's Chase runner-up, Matt Kenseth, is the only driver who's been with the same pit boss ( Robbie Reiser) for longer than six months. For Roush to remain at the top, he needs Greg Biffle (13th in '06 points) and Carl Edwards (12th) to rebound. Their combined wins dropped from 10 in '05 to two last year, but both have the talent to be title contenders.

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

ENEMY LINES: AN INSIDER ON AN OPPOSING TEAM SIZES UP THE ROUSH DRIVERS