Who's doing surprisingly well, and why?(Driver Reports)

Kevin Harvick

Because he didn't make the Chase, it's easy to forget Harvick was in the top 10 after 22 of the first 24 races last season. To improve, Richard Childress Racing buckled down in the offseason and built a new fleet of cars with new chassis for 2005. Not many expected Harvick, who competed in antiquated equipment for the past two years, to be where he is, but the new cars have enabled Harvick to sparkle and contend for a spot in the top 10. Plus, the addition of Roush Racing's top aerodynamic engineer. Nick Ollila, has made RCR's downforce program stronger. The engine department is producing more horsepower, but there still is room for improvement. Last year's addition of former crew chief Scott Miller as team engineer has paid dividends and will come in handy while chief Todd Berrier serves his four-race suspension.

KURT BUSCH The No. 97 team picked up exactly where it left off--on top, a surprise for any defending champion in this era because of the off-track demands on a champion. Busch hasn't won yet, but when the points shook out after California, he moved to the top of the standings despite the insane schedule he has had to adopt and hasn't wavered. On the track, he has evolved into a savvy racer under the guidance of crew chief Jimmy Fennig, who continues to help his driver blossom.

CARL EDWARDS He isn't eligible for rookie of the year because he had more than seven starts in 2004. Good thing-he would have stomped the competition. Edwards is a hard charger along the lines of Jimmie Johnson--he edged Johnson for the win in Atlanta. Pairing his intellect with engineer and crew chief Bob Osborne is ideal to bring along the young racer.

GREG BIFFLE In ...