Everybody’s doing it, so why not me? I’m usually not one to follow the trend but considering that I’ve been away most of this year, I decided to make my trek back into writing for this wonderful site by showing my thoughts for the year so far.

The first half of the year has been record breaking and at times, predictable. There have been times when the same person wins consistently (Gordon, Johnson). There’s also been times when someone has snuck up and caught everybody by surprise (McMurray, Mears). Then there have been the ones that we just knew were going to win… it was only a matter of time (Truex).

This report card is based on several things: most importantly driver performance, pit-crew performance, crew-chief performance, media attention, marketing, and since this is for the ladies… eligibility.

Top of the Class

JEFF GORDON (#24) – HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

Grade: A

Jeff Gordon may not be my favorite driver but you have to admit, he’s on top of his game right now. He’s ahead in points, he just released his 24×24 documentary, he’s been married almost a year and just became a father for the first time. How could he not have an A? The only thing keeping him from getting an A+ is the fact that his crew chief, Steve Letarte is currently on suspension for six years.

CASEY MEARS (#25) – HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

Grade: A

Casey James Mears may not be Top 10 in points, but he deserves his A. He has shown Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR, and most importantly, Ganassi Racing, that he has the ability to be a great driver if he just has the right equipment. He won his very first race (Coca Cola 600) in May and just got his first pole of the year tonight at Chicagoland. He has stepped out of the shadows of his family and his teammates and become his own man. If Hendricks played it right, they could market Casey better than Dale, Jr. He has the personality, looks, and talent to go further than he has ever gone before. And not only is he a good driver… he’s probably the nicest guy in the garage (besides J.J. Yeley).

MARTIN TRUEX, JR. (#1) – DALE EARNHARDT INCORPORATED

Grade: A -

Martin Truex is probably the hottest driver in NASCAR right now. He has gained more points in the last few weeks than anybody. He won his first Cup race in June at Dover and he’s 10^th in points after the Pepsi 400 in Daytona. He is very marketable and when this season is over, will be the headlining driver at DEI: that’s a lot of playing power. His crew chief, Bono Manion, is one of the best in the field and his crew are the former winners of the Pit Crew Challenge. His girlfriend, Sherry Pollex, is the type of girl who knows her racing and doesn’t just sit on top of the pitbox bored. I like that, and that makes Martin even greater because he knows how to pick ‘em.

Other Front Row Drivers: Denny Hamlin, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick

MIDPACK OF THE CLASS

JIMMIE JOHNSON (#48) – HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

Grade: B+

He’s drove well all year…. too good in fact for someone whose crew chief is constantly being suspended. Has a year gone by when Chad Knaus not been suspended? He is the only reason Jimmie Johnson isn’t getting an A in my grade book. I’m tired of his cheating.

TONY STEWART (#20) – JOE GIBBS RACING

Grade: B

Tony has had an “eh” season so far. While Joe Gibbs Racing has lead the most laps so far this year, only his teammate, Denny Hamlin, has lead the last lap. Stewart gets a solid B for effort, determination, relentless drive, attitude, and sense of humor. While his driving career may not be going the way he wants it to right now, his radio show is the best on the air. Sirius Satillete Radio is a godsend for asking Tony, along with Matt Yokum, to host a show once a week. Now if only his producer will stop hanging up on people when they call in and ask a question he doesn’t like. Tony will win a race before the summer is out – mark my word. Edgy Tony is back (thanks to the fact that he’s single again and not whipped) and that’s the Tony that crosses the finish line first.

DALE EARNHARDT, JR. (#8) – DALE EARNHARDT INCORPORATED

Grade: C

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has made this season a whirlwind in the media by announcing that he’s leaving his father’s company and going to the competition – Hendrick Motorsports. His fans are busy like a swarm of bees, campaigning to “Free the Eight.”. While it hasn’t been announced what his number will be (6.7 anyone?), it has been announced that Budweiser will not be his sponsor. Rumor has it Mountain Dew will be the sponsor but who knows at this point. After all is said in done, he’s drove well this year, but not very consistently. He needs to win a race or two before the end of the year and if Truex can do it, I know Junior can.

Other Midpack Drivers: Clint Bowyer, J.J. Yeley, Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Mark Martin, Greg Biffle

THE LOSERS ON THE BACK ROW

GANASSI RACING

Grade: D

The only thing saving this organization right now is Juan Pablo Montoya. I love my Georgia boy Reed Sorenson but the organization is mediocre right now. They don’t have one driver in the Top 20 in points. Need I say more?

MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING (ALL DRIVERS)

Grade: F

Everybody thought Toyota was going to come into the sport strong and well… it hasn’t really done much yet. I know Michael and the boys are working hard but the Jarrett/Waltrip commercials are annoying and the Aaron’s are just as bad. Michael… quit driving, become a full-time owner, and give someone else like Johnny Benson a chance back at Cup. If you spend all of your time worrying about the business end and competition, the company will do so much better.

Other Back Row Drivers: Scott Riggs, Brian Vickers, AJ Allmendinger, Paul Menard, David Ragan, David Gilliland

** Disclaimer: I tried to give a fair judgment to all drivers, especially the ones that were further commented on.