Why are these teams making noise this season? (Driver reports).

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

8

Those who doubt Earnhardt's dedication to driving should have heard him on the radio at California. Junior is obsessed with winning, and that attitude has led to the sharpest focus of his career. His determination to win the title was evident when he knocked Rusty Wallace out of the way at California to get a lap back after a miscue on pit road. Crew chief Tony Eury Sr. says the pit crew is practicing and working out twice weekly, but it can't continue to make mistakes at crucial moments. Dale Earnhardt Inc. has improved its aerodynamics packages, and Earnhardt's team has significantly improved its flat-track performance. It also continues to refine its downforce car. Earnhardt tested at Lowe's Motor Speedway last week, so expect him to be in top form this month. Consistency wins titles, and Richmond was the 35th straight race Earnhardt finished, the longest such streak in the garage.

Jimmie Johnson

48

Consistency has been the watchword for Johnson. He and Michael Waltrip are the only Winston Cup drivers who have been in the top 10 in points since the season started. J.J. has been consistently strong with his qualifying, starting lower than 20th only twice. A revamped pit crew regularly gains Johnson spots coming off pit road. Three times, however, the hard work has been for naught, thanks to late-race accidents. That was the case at California, where a wreck cost Johnson a top 10 finish. On the plus side, this youthful team has become more cohesive as the season has progressed. Johnson says crew chief Chad Knaus has "definitely learned some of the tricks" in regard to setting up the new Monte Carlo and continues to improve the aerodynamic and chassis combinations. A group effort among the four Hendrick Motorsports teams has elevated the whole organization.

Tony Stewart