NASCAR- Top 45 Countdown (45th to 36th)

It's that time of year again. Anybody and everybody is revealing their 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup pre-season rankings, and now it is my turn. As I do every year, I start from the back and work my way to the front, kind of like Matt Kenseth!

Split Rides

21-Ken Schrader/Jon Wood- Little Debbie's/Motorcraft Ford (Wood Brothers)
2006 prediction (27th) 2006 results (31st) - Accurate

The ageless Ken Schrader will spit time with his NASCAR rookie Jon Wood. Wood is the grandson of Glen Wood, the founder of Wood Brothers Racing, and will be phased in as the full-time driver starting this year. After two mediocre seasons in the Busch Series, Wood is expected to struggle in his part-time rookie role. However, he will have one of the most experienced and savvy veterans as a tutor. There are not many drivers in the garage that have amassed more racing miles than Schrader. With Schrader behind the wheel of the famous #21 Ford, this team can run top 25, maybe top 20 at best, but expect Wood to linger towards the back of the pack.

01-Mark Martin/Regan Smith- U.S. Army Chevrolet (Ginn Racing)
2006 prediction (9th) 2006 results (9th) - Accurate

Like Ken Schrader, Mark Martin is finding it hard to hang up his helmet. The 2005 season was supposed to be his final 'Salute To You' campaign, but his retirement was put on hold and Martin returned to Roush Racing in 2006. And after a season full of indecisiveness and rumors, Martin opted for the part-time role at Ginn Racing (formerly MB2 Motorsports). But his new job doesn't end with just driving, Martin will mentor NASCAR rookie Regan Smith. Smith spent the 2006 season driving for Team Rensi in the Busch Series. Smith showed flashes of potential, and proved to be a strong qualifier, but he seemed to be no match for the Buschwhackers that invaded the series. This 01 team has been fast at the intermediate tracks, especially in 2004 and 2005, so it wouldn't surprise me at all for Smith to run near the top 15. When it is Martin's turn to drive the car, this could be a top ten team.

Top 45 full-time drivers