NASCAR Nextel Cup Report Cards- 3rd Quarter

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Matt Kenseth- 4 wins, 13 top fives, 18 top tens, 0 poles

Matt Kenseth has yet to have a poor race as far as performance is concerned. If he doesn't finish well, it's usually a result of a mechanical failure or being involved in an accident. This appears to be Kenseth's best opportunity at becoming the Nextel Cup series' third active multiple champion.

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Kevin Harvick- 4 wins, 12 top fives, 15 top tens, 1 pole

Arguably, Kevin Harvick has materialized as the top driver to beat in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the championship after winning his fourth race of the season at New Hampshire. Perceptibly, Kenseth will be Harvick's toughest opponent if all goes well for both drivers. Harvick has an opportunity to make NASCAR history by winning both the Nextel Cup and Busch Series championship in the same season. I don't foresee Harvick decelerating any time soon in either series.

Jimmie Johnson- 4 wins, 8 top fives, 18 top tens, 1 pole

After a disappointing start to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship at New Hampshire, the ultimate prize will be a little more arduous to claim than it was before. Johnson emerged as the Nextel Cup series favorite to win the 2006 championship after winning three of the first nine races of the season. Johnson has spent 21 weeks as the Nextel Cup series points leader, only to find himself currently chasing the likes of Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick. I wouldn't expect for Johnson and the 48 team to be down for very long.

Denny Hamlin- 2 wins, 5 top fives, 15 top tens, 3 poles

Hamlin's stats may not be as imposing as the stats of Kenseth or Harvick, but as a Nextel Cup rookie, he has immeasurably surpassed expectations. Hamlin became the first official NASCAR rookie to qualify for the ten race shootout. Carl Edwards qualified last year, but he wasn't considered a Nextel Cup rookie by NASCAR standards. Anyway, Hamlin's consistency has put him in a unique state of affairs where he not only can bring home the Rookie of the Year trophy, but the Nextel Cup Championship trophy as well.

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Jeff Gordon- 2 wins, 12 top fives, 14 top tens, 1 pole