Scouting Reports

Hendrick Motorsports
This organization has it all: talent at the wheel, expertise atop the pit box and unmatched resources. It's easy to believe that Hendrick will again be the juggernaut it was in 2007, when its cars won 18 races and Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon went one-two in the standings. New to the stable is Dale Earnhardt Jr., who replaces Kyle Busch (now with Joe Gibbs Racing). Little E brings crew chief Tony Eury Jr. with him, and their number 88 team will share facilities with the team of Casey Mears and crew chief Alan Gustafson, an arrangement that should help both drivers.

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

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

"I'M STILL amazed at how well Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon (left) work together—it says a lot about Jeff that he's kept communicating with Jimmie even though Jimmie is winning the titles.... They will be the two guys to beat again.... You'd like to think that Hendrick's dominance won't last forever, but it sure seems like it will right now.... They tested fast at Daytona, so I expect all four Hendrick guys to be in contention for a win in the 500."

6
CHASE races that Johnson (four) and Gordon (two) combined to win out of the 10 in the Cup postseason.

Joe Gibbs Racing
Following A tumultuous season, JGR made two major changes. First the team dumped its longtime manufacturer, Chevy, in favor of Toyota. Though the Japanese manufacturer flopped in its first Cup season, it gains instant credibility from the Gibbs name and driver Tony Stewart's record (two Cup titles); with near limitless resources, Toyota should get its first Cup win in 2008. Next, Gibbs signed former Hendrick bad boy Kyle Busch, who joins NASCAR's most dysfunctional teammates, Stewart and Denny Hamlin. (The two clashed so much on and off the track in '07 that Gibbs himself had to get involved.) The key to success will be keeping all those egos in check.

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

ENEMY LINES: AN INSIDER FROM AN OPPOSING TEAM SIZES UP GIBBS

"THE DRIVER to look out for this year is Kyle Busch (left) in the number 18 car. It wouldn't surprise me if he won 10 races. With his ability, he's always a threat to win—and now, after being pushed out at Hendrick, he's got something to prove.... Landing Gibbs was a great move for Toyota, which should be strong all year.... Denny Hamlin surprised last year. Nobody knew he was that talented. His biggest problem is staying under control."

637
LAPS led by Busch in 2007, the most in his Cup career and seventh overall.