Driver report. (NASCAR).

Exclusive NASCAR team reports are written by Lee Spencer. They appear in the first issue of each month and provide the lowdown on the teams TSN considers the top title contenders.

Sterling Marlin 40

HOW HE'LL WIN: Marlin's crew has performed consistently, and that has paid off. The team has led the points race since the second race. Marlin didn't run into serious hiccups until he lost an engine 19 laps into the race at Sears Point. Before that, Marlin had not finished outside the top 25, even though he had an average qualifying run of 19.4. The points race is so close that Marlin will have to continue to be consistent, lead more laps and put his car in a position to win to maintain the top spot through the end of the season. Marlin has a lot of experience at the next four tracks, where he posted an average finish of 9.75 earlier this year, including a win at Darlington. Out of his arsenal of cars, Marlin has narrowed his favorites down to three and is extremely comfortable with their rides, which also bodes well.

HOW HE'LL LOSE: Martin's competitors made up plenty of ground last month when the No. 40 suffered engine woes. If that happens again, Marlin is a goner. Last year was only the second time Marlin finished in the top five in the points standings, and in 1995, when he finished third, he never was in the battle. That lack of experience in the hunt could hurt. Although team owner Chip Ganassi has experienced four consecutive championships in CART, most crew members have not been in a title chase recently.

MARK MARTIN 6

HOW HE'LL WIN: Martin always can be counted on to deliver when the pressure is on, a huge plus down the stretch. He knows how to race for points better than anyone, and with a little luck (subtracting the two accidents that cost him dearly at Talladega and Dover), he would have a commanding lead in the standings. His qualifying has been solid, and before Loudon, he posted five straight top-10 finishes. Martin has won at three of the next four tracks, the exception being New Hampshire, where he has finished in the top five in half his races. Crew chief Ben Leslie says Martin's experience is invaluable, but the team's strength is its preparation and the attention it pays to detail. Martin's hunger, coupled with the support of a young, dedicated crew, could give Roush Racing its first Cup title.

HOW HE'LL LOSE: Other than at Richmond, where he was fourth, Martin has not fared well this year at the next four tracks, where his average finish was 22.5. The team is concerned enough that it might test at both Memphis and Milwaukee, which are similar to upcoming tracks. Martin has yet to have an engine sour on him in a points race this year, but that has not been the case for his teammates, who have lost four engines in the last six races. If that proves contagious, his title hopes will go up in smoke.