Nextel Cup Driver Capsules

David Reutimann

No. 00 Burger King/Domino's Toyota, Michael Waltrip Racing:

Born: March 2, 1970

Hometown: Zephyrhills, Fla.

Crew chief: Frank Kerr

Will run for rookie of the year with new three-car Waltrip team. ... Finished 22nd at Charlotte in only previous Cup start in October 2005. ... Top rookie in Craftsman Truck Series in 2004, finished third in trucks last season while also running 15 Busch Series races. ... Has one truck win — Toyota Tundra 200 on Aug. 13, 2005.

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Mark Martin

No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ginn Motorsports:

Born: Jan. 9, 1959

Hometown: Batesville, Ark.

Crew chief: Ryan Pemberton

Left Roush Racing after 19 years to cut back to a partial Cup schedule with Ginn Racing, formerly MB2 Motorsports. ... One of NASCAR's all-time greats, Martin never has won a championship. ... Will drive 22 races, splitting time with rookie Regan Smith.

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Regan Smith

No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ginn Motorsports:

Born: Sept. 23, 1983

Hometown: Cato, N.Y.

Crew chief: Ryan Pemberton

Youngster will share ride with veteran Mark Martin and is set to run 14 Cup races, starting with Bristol on March 25. He also will race the next week at Martinsville and April 29 at Talladega, with the rest of his schedule to be determined later. ... Ran the full Busch Series schedule for the first time last year, posting one top 10 and finishing 20th in the season points. ... He also will share Ginn's new 04 Busch Series ride with Kraig Kinser.

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Clint Bowyer

No. 07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Richard Childress Racing:

Born: May 30, 1979

Hometown: Emporia, Kan.

Crew chief: Gil Martin

Had solid rookie season in 2006, with four top fives, 11 top 10s and a 17th-place finish in the Cup series. ... Also drove full Busch schedule, winning a race and finishing third.

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Martin Truex Jr.

No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Dale Earnhardt Inc.:

Born: June 29, 1980

Hometown: Mayetta, N.J.

Crew chief: Kevin "Bono" Manion

Expectations are high after strong finish in 2006 carried the rookie to 19th in the season points. ... Had two top fives, including career-best second at Cup finale in Homestead. ... Two-time Busch Series champion teams with good buddy Dale Earnhardt and 2007 rookie Paul Menard.

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Kurt Busch

No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger, Penske Racing South:

Born: Aug. 4, 1978

Hometown: Las Vegas

Crew chief: Roy McCauley

Coming off disappointing first season with Penske after leaving Roush Racing, where he won 2004 Cup title and qualified for first two championship Chases. ... Had one win, seven top fives and 12 top 10s on the way to 16th-place finish in points ... One bright spot in 2006 was winning six poles after never winning more than one in any other season.

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Ward Burton

No. 4 State Water Heaters Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Morgan-McClure Motorsports:

Born: Oct. 25, 1961

Hometown: South Boston, Va.

Crew chief: Chris Carrier

Returning to Cup full time after being fired with two races remaining in 2004. ... Returned for three races with Morgan-McClure at the end of 2006. ... Has five Cup victories, including the 2002 Daytona 500. ... Also will drive in 20 Busch races for Brewco Motorsports. ... Older brother of Jeff Burton.

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Kyle Busch

No. 5 Kellogg's/Carquest Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Hendrick Motorsports:

Born: May 2, 1985

Hometown: Las Vegas

Crew chief: Alan Gustafson

The 21-year-old Busch, younger brother of 2004 series champion Kurt Busch, made the championship Chase last year, finishing 10th in the points. The 2005 rookie of the year got his third career victory in 2006 and expects to make a run at the championship this season.

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David Ragan

No. 6 AAA Ford Fusion, Roush Racing:

Born: Dec. 24, 1985

Hometown: Unadilla, Ga.

Crew chief: Jimmy Fennig

Replaced longtime NASCAR star Mark Martin at Roush and will race for 2007 rookie of the year. ... Made first two Cup starts last year with a best finish of 25th at Martinsville. ... Earned part-time ride in 2005 Craftsman Truck Series by winning Roush "Gong Show." ... Drove 19 of 25 races in Craftsman Truck Series in 2006, finishing 24th in the points.

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Robby Gordon

No. 7 Harrah's/Jim Beam/Menards Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Robby Gordon Motorsports:

Born: Jan. 2, 1969

Hometown: Bellflower, Calif.

Crew chief: Greg Erwin

The only Cup owner-driver last year, Gordon qualified for all 36 races after missing seven in 2005. ... Had one top five — fourth on the road course at Watkins Glen — and three top 10s, while finishing 30th in points. ... Became the first American to win a stage in the Dakar Rally in 2006 and came back to finish eighth overall in the 5,411-mile race in Europe and Africa in January.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.

No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Dale Earnhardt Inc.:

Born: Oct. 10, 1974

Hometown: Kannapolis, N.C.

Crew chief: Tony Eury Jr.

One of NASCAR's most popular drivers had a solid 2006 season, with 20 top fives and 17 tops 10s. ... In first full season back with crew chief and cousin Tony Eury Jr., made the Chase for the championship and finished fifth after failing to qualify for the 2005 postseason. ... Expected to be a strong title contender in 2007.

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Kasey Kahne

No. 9 Dodge Dealers Dodge Charger, Evernham Motorsports:

Born: April 10, 1980

Hometown: Enumclaw, Wash.

Crew chief: Kenny Francis (team director)

The 2004 rookie of the year established himself as rising star in 2006 with series-leading six victories and six poles. ... Despite 12 top fives and 18 top 10s, Kahne was hampered by some inconsistency and barely made the 10-man Chase, finishing eighth. ... Expected to make a run at the championship this season.

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Scott Riggs

No. 10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger, Valvoline Evernham Motorsports:

Born: Jan. 1, 1971

Hometown: Bahama, N.C.

Crew chief: Rodney Childers

Got off to a tough start in his debut with Ray Evernham's team, failing to make the Daytona 500 lineup, but rebounded to finish 20th in points. ... Had one top five, eight top 10s and two poles last season. ... Has four Busch Series wins and five Craftsman Truck Series wins.

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Denny Hamlin

No. 11 FedEx Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Joe Gibbs Racing:

Born: Nov. 18, 1980

Hometown: Chesterfield, Va.

Crew chief: Mike Ford

The 2006 rookie of the year won two races and three poles, made the Chase and finished third in points. ... Outshone teammates Tony Stewart, a two-time Cup champion, and fellow rookie J.J. Yeley, neither of whom made the Chase. ... Also drove full season in Busch, winning two races and seven poles to finish fourth in the standings.

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Ryan Newman

No. 12 Alltel/Mobile One Dodge Charger, Penske Racing South:

Born: Dec. 8, 1977

Hometown: South Bend, Ind.

Crew chief: Michael Nelson

After finishing no worse than seventh and winning at least one race in his first four full Cup seasons, Newman failed to win a race, missed the Chase and finished 18th in 2006. ... Even the "Rocketman's" qualifying suffered, with only two poles after winning no fewer than six a season since 2002. ... Enters new season with new crew chief following departure of Matt Borland.

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Joe Nemechek

No. 13 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ginn Racing:

Born: Sept. 26, 1963

Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.

Crew chief: Chad McCumbee

With Mark Martin joining the team, Nemechek moves from the 01 to the 13 with a new crew chief and a new crew. ... The veteran racer struggled in 2006 with two top 10s and finished 27th in points, his worst showing since 2002.

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Sterling Marlin

No. 14 Waste Management Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ginn Racing:

Born: June 30, 1957

Hometown: Columbia, Tenn.

Crew chief: Doug Randolph

Second year with Ginn Racing might be final season of his long and storied career. ... Managed only one top 10 last season and finished 34th in the points, the worst full year ever for the second-generation NASCAR star. ... A two-time Daytona winner, his last of 10 career victories came in 2002.

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Paul Menard

No. 15 Menard's Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Dale Earnhardt Inc.:

Born: Aug. 21, 1980

Hometown: Eau Claire, Wis.

Crew chief: Tony Eury Sr.

Scion of Midwestern home improvement store empire founded by his father, Menard has dedicated himself to racing and will compete for rookie of the year. ... Won his first Busch race last year and finished sixth for the second straight season in the Busch Series. ... He and David Gilliland, who ran 15 Cup races last season, were the only two non-Cup regulars to win a Busch event last season. ... Has seven previous Cup starts, dating to 2003, with one top 10.

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Greg Biffle

No. 16 Ameriquest Ford Fusion, Roush Racing:

Born: Dec. 23, 1969

Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.

Crew chief: Pat Tryson

After winning six races and finishing second in 2005, just 35 points behind champion Tony Stewart, Biffle slipped a bit last season. He won twice but missed out on the Chase, finishing 13th in the final standings. ... Dislocated his right shoulder Dec. 7 in a fiery accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during a Goodyear tire test. ... Team owner Jack Roush has paired Biffle with a new crew chief — Pat Tryson, who helped Mark Martin to three straight Chase berths.

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Matt Kenseth

No. 17 DeWalt Tools Ford Fusion, Roush Racing:

Born: March 10, 1972

Hometown: Cambridge, Wis.

Crew chief: Robbie Reiser

Kenseth was by far the best of the five Roush Cup drivers last year, with four wins and a Chase berth that led to a second-place finish in the points. ... The 2003 Cup champion had 15 top fives and 21 top 10s. ... He also ran 21 Busch Series races, winning three times, as well as winning one race and finishing second in the all-star IROC series.

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J.J. Yeley

No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Joe Gibbs Racing:

Born: Oct. 5, 1976

Hometown: Phoenix

Crew chief: Steve Addington

Returns after steady if unspectacular rookie season in Cup, finishing 29th in the points after posting just three top-10 finishes. ... Also ran full time in Busch, finishing fifth, behind teammate Denny Hamlin. ... Comes from a sprint car background similar to Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Ryan Newman. ... Youngest driver to qualify for Indianapolis 500 in 1998, at the age of 21, he finished ninth.

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Elliott Sadler

No. 19 Dodge Dealers Dodge Charger, Evernham Motorsports:

Born: April 30, 1975

Hometown: Emporia, Va.

Crew chief: Josh Brown (team director)

Sadler has yet to fulfill his promise but seems to have found a good home with Evernham after leaving Robert Yates Racing to replace Jeremy Mayfield in the No. 19 car. Ran the final 14 races of 2006 with Evernham. ... Had two of his seven top-10 finishes after making the move. ... Has three race wins, but none since winning twice in 2004.

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Tony Stewart

No. 20 The Home Depot Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Joe Gibbs Racing:

Born: May 20, 1971

Hometown: Rushville, Ind.

Crew chief: Greg Zipadelli

Coming off disappointing season, failed to qualify for Chase and finished 11th in points after winning second Cup title in 2005. ... Won five races but was outshone by rookie teammate Denny Hamlin, who finished third in standings. ... Back for an eighth season with Greg Zipadelli in the longest active partnership between a driver and a crew chief.

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Ken Schrader

No. 21 Little Debbie/U.S. Air Force/Motorcraft Ford Fusion, Wood Brothers:

Born: May 29, 1955

Hometown: Fenton, Mo.

Crew chief: Ernie Cope

Schrader, who has driven in 704 Cup races, will run the bulk of the schedule but will give up the wheel to Jon Wood, 25-year-old son of team co-owner Eddie Wood, for 10 races. ... Schrader had two top 10s in 2006 and wound up 31st in the points for the third straight year.

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Jon Wood

No. 21 Little Debbie/U.S. Air Force/Motorcraft Ford Fusion, Wood Brothers:

Born: Oct. 25, 1981

Hometown: Stuart, Va.

Crew chief: Ernie Cope

Wood, son of team co-owner Eddie Wood, will share the team's famed No. 21 Ford with Ken Schrader, driving 10 Cup races in that car. ... Also will drive one Cup event in a second team car. ... Began his NASCAR career in trucks at the age of 19 and also has driven in the Busch Series. ... Won twice and finished a career-best fifth in the truck series in 2003 and had one top five and four top 10s on the way to finishing a career-best 14th in Busch last year.

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Dave Blaney

No. 22 Caterpillar Toyota Camry, Bill Davis Racing:

Born: Oct. 24, 1962

Hometown: Hartford, Ohio

Crew chief: Kevin Hamlin

Returned to Bill Davis' team in 2006 after running for Richard Childress the previous season. ... Blaney had a fair year in Davis' Dodges, which had no factory support. He had one top five and two tops 10s and finished 26th in the points for the second straight year. ... The top-35 position guaranteed him a starting spot in each of the first six races.

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Jeff Gordon

No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Hendrick Motorsports:

Born: Aug. 4, 1971

Hometown: Vallejo, Calif.

Crew chief: Steve Letarte

Rebounded from a disappointing season to make the Chase and finish sixth in the points. ... His two victories were fewest since he also won two in 1994, his second full Cup season. ... Part-owner of No. 48 Chevy in which Jimmie Johnson won 2006 title. ... Married late last season, Gordon is scheduled to become a father for the first time in July.

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Casey Mears

No. 25 GMAC Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Hendrick Motorsports:

Born: March 12, 1978

Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.

Crew chief: Darian Grubb

Has yet to win in four full Cup seasons but finished career-best 14th in the points. ... Made the move to the powerful Hendrick Motorsports team, replacing Brian Vickers, over the winter. ... Got start in open-wheel racing and is nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears.

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Jamie McMurray

No. 26 Crown Royal/Irwin Tools Ford Fusion, Roush Racing:

Born: June 3, 1976

Hometown: Joplin, Mo.

Crew chief: Larry Carter

Will start season with new crew chief Larry Carter after struggling last season with veteran crew chiefs Jimmy Fennig and Bob Osborne. ... Coming off disappointing first season with Roush Racing, finishing 25th in the points after replacing former series champion Kurt Busch. ... Winless in 148 starts since only career victory at Charlotte in second Cup start in 2002.

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Kevin Harvick

No. 29 Shell Oil Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Richard Childress Racing:

Born: Dec. 8, 1975

Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.

Crew chief: Todd Berrier

At the forefront of an RCR resurgence in which two of three drivers made the Chase. ... Finished fourth in points after winning career-high five races and posting 15 top fives and 20 top 10s. ... Signed multiyear contract extension last season. ... Ran away with second Busch Series title, winning nine races and beating runner-up Carl Edwards by 824 points. ... Does not plan to run full Busch Series in 2007.

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Jeff Burton

No. 31 Cingular Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Richard Childress Racing:

Born: June 29, 1967

Hometown: South Boston, Va.

Crew chief: Scott Miller

Many, including teammates Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer, give Burton credit for being a key to the turnaround at RCR, thanks to his technical expertise, communications skills and likable personality. ... Seventh-place finish best since he finished third in 2000 with longtime employer Jack Roush. ... Victory in fall race at Dover was 18th of career but first since 2001.

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Jeremy Mayfield

No. 36 OTC 360 Toyota Camry, Bill Davis Racing:

Born: May 27, 1969

Hometown: Owensboro, Ky.

Crew chief: Derrick Finley

Mayfield got another chance when Bill Davis hired him for 2007 after being fired midway through last season by Ray Evernham. ... Drove 22 races and had no top 10s in 2006. ... Must qualify on speed in early races since he has no points to fall back on. ... Will team with veteran Dave Blaney.

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David Gilliland

No. 38 M&M's Ford Fusion, Robert Yates Racing:

Born: April 1, 1976

Hometown: Riverside, Calif.

Crew chief: Todd Parrott

Gave up chance to run for 2007 rookie of the year, opting instead to run 15 races last season to replace veteran Elliott Sadler. ... Won the opportunity to move to Cup series with Busch Series win at Kentucky last June. It was one of 11 total Busch races in two years for the second-generation stock-car racer.

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David Stremme

No. 40 Coors Light/Lonestar Steakhouse Dodge Charger, Chip Ganassi Racing:

Born: June 19, 1977

Hometown: South Bend, Ind.

Crew Chief: Steve Lane

Had modest rookie Cup season with no top 10s and a 33rd-place finish. Top finishes were a pair of 11th-place finishes, including the season finale at Homestead. ... Will work with teammate Reed Sorenson, also a second-year driver, and heralded rookie Juan Pablo Montoya. ... Became a car owner in 2004 for his brother Bobby in the ASA Late Model Series.

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Reed Sorenson

No. 41 Target Dodge Charger, Chip Ganassi Racing:

Born: Feb. 5, 1986

Hometown: Peachtree City, Ga.

Crew chief: Jimmy Elledge

Posted one top five and five top 10s for 24th place in the points. ... Also drove full time in the Busch Series, falling to 10th after being fourth in the points in 2005.

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Juan Pablo Montoya

No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger, Chip Ganassi Racing:

Born: Sept. 20, 1975

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia

Crew chief: Donnie Wingo

One of the most exciting rookies in NASCAR history, Montoya comes to stock car racing from Formula One, where he had seven career victories. ... Montoya previously drove for Ganassi in American open-wheel racing, winning the 1999 CART championship and the 2000 Indianapolis 500. ... Got some seat time in ARCA, Busch and one Cup event late last season. ... Gave Ganassi his second straight victory in the 24-hour sports car race at Daytona, co-driving with Scott Pruett and Salvador Duran for the endurance win in January.

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Bobby Labonte

No. 43 Cheerios Dodge Charger, Petty Enterprises:

Born: May 8, 1964

Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas

Crew chief: Paul Andrews

The 2000 Cup champion helped make the Petty team more competitive last season, moving to the No. 43 from the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing entry. ... Had three top fives, eight top 10s and finished 21st in the points. ... The team switched crew chiefs late in the season, pairing Labonte with Paul Andrews, who helped Alan Kulwicki to the 1992 championship. The chemistry was evident immediately. The spirits and hopes in Randleman, N.C., home of Petty Enterprises, are higher than in years.

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Dale Jarrett

No. 44 UPS Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing:

Born: Nov. 26, 1956

Hometown: Hickory, N.C.

Crew chief: Matt Borland

Jarrett, nearing the end of a great career, left his longtime home at Robert Yates Racing to join friend Michael Waltrip in his new venture with Toyota, making its Cup debut. ... Waltrip lured Borland, a respected crew chief and engineer, away from Penske Racing South to work with Jarrett, and the two could make a potent combination. ... Jarrett hasn't finished in the top 10 in points since 2002 and must prove he still can be competitive. ... Finished 23rd last year, with one top five and four top 10s.

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Kyle Petty

No. 45 Wells Fargo Dodge Charger, Petty Enterprises:

Born: June 20, 1960

Hometown: Trinity, N.C.

Crew chief: Billy Wilburn

Petty and team believe they made small but solid strides in 2006, despite falling from 27th to 32nd in the points. Petty hopes for more of the same in 2007, with better results on the track.

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Jimmie Johnson

No. 48 Lowe's Home Improvement Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Hendrick Motorsports:

Born: Sept. 17, 1975

Hometown: El Cajon, Calif.

Crew chief: Chad Knaus

After starting his Cup career with four straight seasons in the top five in points, including a pair of runner-up finishes, Johnson and crew chief Knaus put it all together in 2006. Johnson won five times and charged from behind in the Chase to win his first title, despite Knaus missing the first four races after being caught cheating in Daytona 500 qualifying. ... Can they do it again?

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Mike Bliss

No. 49 WhatsOnline.com Dodge Charger, BAM Racing:

Born: April 5, 1965

Hometown: Milwaukie, Ore.

Crew chief: Lee McCall

Hooked up with BAM Racing for the last six 2006 Cup races while also racing full time in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he won one race and finished 11th in the points. ... Ran only full Cup season in 2005, finishing 28th for Haas CNC Racing. ... Begins season with 77 Cup starts, including one top five and five top 10s. ... Has one Busch Series victory in 84 starts.

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Michael Waltrip

No. 55 NAPA Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing:

Born: April 30, 1963

Hometown: Owensboro, Ky.

Crew chief: Dan Hyder

Younger brother of three-time Cup champion Darrell Waltrip formed his own team, hiring 1999 Cup champion Dale Jarrett and rookie David Reutimann to join him in driving new Toyota Camrys. ... The two-time Daytona 500 winner qualified for only 33 of 36 races last year, driving a Dodge for Bill Davis. ... With no top 10s in 2006, finished 37th in the points.

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Jeff Green

No. 66 Best Buy Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Haas CNC Racing:

Born: Sept. 6, 1962

Hometown: Owensboro, Ky.

Crew chief: Harold Holly

Former Busch Series champion had two top-10 finishes and wound up 28th in his first season with Haas. ... The team, which moved into huge new race shop late last year, also has added a second full-time Cup car for Johnny Sauter.

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Johnny Sauter

No. 70 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Haas CNC Racing:

Born: May 1, 1978

Hometown: Necedah, Wis.

Crew chief: Robert Barker

Getting full-time ride after finishing eighth in a Haas Chevy in the Busch Series last season. ... Has 32 previous Cup starts, including 16 with Richard Childress Racing in 2004.

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Brandon Whitt

No. 72 Dutch Quality Stone Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Team 72:

Born: Oct. 15, 1982

Hometown: El Cajon, Calif.

Crew chief: Doug George

Whitt and his new team plan to run just the first 15 races of the season unless more sponsorship becomes available. ... His experience is limited to full seasons in 2004 and 2005 in the Craftsman Truck Series, with one win in 2005 and points finishes of 19th and 18th. ... His only Cup experience came last fall at Phoenix, where Whitt started 37th and finished 43rd.

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Brian Vickers

No. 83 Red Bull Toyota Camry, Team Red Bull:

Born: Oct. 24, 1983

Hometown: Thomasville, N.C.

Crew chief: Doug Richert

Left powerful Hendrick Motorsports team for startup Red Bull operation after finishing 15th in series points last season. ... Won first career race at Talladega in October after bumping teammate Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. out of the way in controversial last-lap incident.

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A.J. Allmendinger

No. 84 Red Bull Toyota Camry, Team Red Bull:

Born: Dec. 16, 1981

Hometown: Los Gatos, Calif.

Crew chief: Rick Viers

Rookie's making the big move from Champ Cars to stock cars. ... Selected 2004 rookie of the year, Allmendinger won five races and finished third in the points last season in the Champ Car World Series. ... Was Toyota-Atlantic Series champion and top rookie in 2003. ... Decided to try his hand at Cup racing after competing well in three Craftsman Truck Series events late last season. His best truck finish was fifth at Talladega.

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Ricky Rudd

No. 88 Snickers Ford Fusion, Robert Yates Racing:

Born: Sept. 12, 1956

Hometown: Chesapeake, Va.

Crew chief: Butch Hylton

Rudd returns to full-time racing after a season on the sidelines trying to decide if he wanted to retire. ... Rudd, who drove for RYR from 2000-2002, steps into the ride vacated by Dale Jarrett. ... The 1977 Rookie of the Year and one of NASCAR's top 50 drivers still holds the NASCAR record for consecutive starts at 788.

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Tony Raines

No. 96 Texas Instruments Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Hall of Fame Racing:

Born: April 14, 1964

Hometown: LaPorte, Ind.

Crew chief: Brandon Thomas

Raines had a solid 2006 season, giving the new team fielded by former NFL quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach one top-10 finish and winding up 35th in points, just enough to ensure the team a starting spot in each of the first six races. ... Drove in 23 Busch Series events with nine top 10s.

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Carl Edwards

No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion, Roush Racing:

Born: Aug. 15, 1979

Hometown: Columbia, Mo.

Crew chief: Bob Osborne

Experienced sophomore slump in 2006, going winless after winning four races and finishing third in the standings in his first full season in 2005. ... Finished last year with 10 top-five and 20 top-10 finishes and spent the final seven weeks in 12th place, his highest place in the standings all season. ... Best finishes were second at Michigan in August and Dover in September. ... Has been reunited with crew chief Bob Osborne, who helped him to his great 2005 season.