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Who's doing surprisingly well, and why?

Sporting News, The, April 1, 2005 by Lee Spencer

Kevin Harvick

Because he didn't make the Chase, it's easy to forget Harvick was in the top 10 after 22 of the first 24 races last season. To improve, Richard Childress Racing buckled down in the offseason and built a new fleet of cars with new chassis for 2005. Not many expected Harvick, who competed in antiquated equipment for the past two years, to be where he is, but the new cars have enabled Harvick to sparkle and contend for a spot in the top 10. Plus, the addition of Roush Racing's top aerodynamic engineer. Nick Ollila, has made RCR's downforce program stronger. The engine department is producing more horsepower, but there still is room for improvement. Last year's addition of former crew chief Scott Miller as team engineer has paid dividends and will come in handy while chief Todd Berrier serves his four-race suspension.

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KURT BUSCH The No. 97 team picked up exactly where it left off--on top, a surprise for any defending champion in this era because of the off-track demands on a champion. Busch hasn't won yet, but when the points shook out after California, he moved to the top of the standings despite the insane schedule he has had to adopt and hasn't wavered. On the track, he has evolved into a savvy racer under the guidance of crew chief Jimmy Fennig, who continues to help his driver blossom.

CARL EDWARDS He isn't eligible for rookie of the year because he had more than seven starts in 2004. Good thing-he would have stomped the competition. Edwards is a hard charger along the lines of Jimmie Johnson--he edged Johnson for the win in Atlanta. Pairing his intellect with engineer and crew chief Bob Osborne is ideal to bring along the young racer.

GREG BIFFLE In Biffle's first full Cup season, 2003, he basically was running a Busch team. Although it has taken time for the team to cycle out the junk, he now believes he's working with equipment equal to that of his Roush teammates. His relationship with crew chief Doug Richert has jelled over the past year and a half, but to close the deal, Biffle needs a more dependable pit crew.

MARK MARTIN Because this has become a young man's sport, it's surprising Martin, 46, has maintained his top 10 pace, despite being at least 10 years older than most of his competition. Martin's team has been the flagship operation at Roush Racing since its inception in 1989, but he never has had equipment like this. Never count out experience and good equipment.

CASEY MEARS Most teams have struggled with the new Dodge Charger, but Mears' hasn't. While crews scramble to find balance--particularly with the shorter spoiler--drivers such as Mears, who can handle looser cars, are prevailing. Crew chief Jimmy Elledge is solid at massaging cars, and Mears has been grateful for the added downforce provided by the new aero package. Adding a new jackman, front tire changer and carrier has paid early dividends for the crew.

RUSTY WALLACE He spent one week in the top 10 last year--after his win at Martinsville--but he didn't finish the 2003 and '04 seasons in the top 10. Considering that and the challenges of moving his race shop in the offseason and constructing a new fleet of Dodges, it's surprising to see Wallace return to top 10 form. Motivation is a big factor. Because this is his last season, it's a matter of pride for Wallace to be especially competitive in every race, and his pit crew is supporting him in top fashion.

Who's doing surprisingly well, and why?

Sporting News, The, April 1, 2005 by Lee Spencer

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