Midway Awards
Mark Beech
July 02, 2007
Sure, there are
still 20 races to go until the Nextel Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on
Nov. 18, but the 2007 regular season is already more than half over. With 10
races left until the start of the Chase, here's a look at the best and the
worst of racing so far.
Sure, there are
still 20 races to go until the Nextel Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on
Nov. 18, but the 2007 regular season is already more than half over. With 10
races left until the start of the Chase, here's a look at the best and the
worst of racing so far.
Best rookie
Juan Pablo Montoya
At 21st in the
point standings, he is the highest ranking rookie, but the full magnitude of
his talent was on display on June 24 at Sonoma when a masterly drive brought
him his first Cup win in 17 starts.
Best team
Hendrick Motorsports
While the Gibbs
and Penske teams moan about the breaks of the game, the Hendrick operation,
which has 10 wins, makes its own luck.
Best driver
Jeff Gordon
Four wins and 14
top 10s in 16 races. The four-time champ's in top form.
Best
comeback
Ryan Newman
A year after his
lost season, Flyin' Ryan is again earning poles and running in front. Now he
just needs to win a few races.
Best
sophomore
Denny Hamlin