2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Rookie Class

As we crossed the threshold into the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season, much was made regarding the high expectations of the rookie class. However, Denny Hamlin, who has two wins and is chasing the Nextel Cup title, is the only one of the gifted rookies to really protrude.

Clint Bowyer has shown promise and appears to be on the verge of a breakthrough, but he has been inconsistent. The pre-season favorite to win the rookie of the year title was Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Martin Truex Jr, but a slow start really set him back. Lately, he has shown signs of possibly contending for wins. Reed Sorenson, David Stremme, and J.J. Yeley have had a few good runs here and there, but by and large, none of these freshmen drivers appear to be quite ready for the jump to the Nextel Cup level. And Brent Sherman, well, I haven't heard his name is several months.

And I guess, technically, Robert Yates Racing driver David Gilliland is a rookie too since he has already competed in seven or more races in 2006. Gilliland seems to be improving each week.

But with the 2007 season lurking, a new cluster of freshmen drivers will be taking to the track. And even though the roster of rookies lacks the high expectations, I anticipate a couple of surprises.

1.Paul Menard, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated

For the second consecutive season, DEI will field a rookie team and driver. Menard will pilot the #15 Menards Chevrolet in 2007, and is expected to spearhead the rookie class. Menard's Busch Series career didn't get off to a glowing start, but he has adapted and has blossomed into an impressive driver. In 2006, he has arguably been the best non-Nextel Cup regular in the Busch Series, and his win at Milwaukee further confirms that.

2.Juan Pablo Montoya, Chip Ganassi Racing

Ever since his shocking announcement that he would abandon his open-wheel roots to take on the daunting task of wheeling these heavy stock cars, Juan Pablo Montoya has proven that his decision was perspicacious. Montoya has been competitive in every stock car race that he has appeared in, whether it's ARCA or the Busch Series. Montoya has that natural ability that few drivers possess, and will eventually become a winner in NASCAR, however, I think he will take a back seat to Menard in the 2007 rookie of the year fight.

3.David Ragan, Roush Racing

For the first time since Greg Biffle in 2003, Roush Racing will have a driver competing for the coveted rookie of the year title. Georgia native David Ragan was the chosen one to replace Mark Martin in the famed #6 Ford. Ragan will no doubt have some big shoes to fill, but as long as he grasps the fact that he is not expected to win races and compete for the championship right off the bat, he should be fine. Ragan has already become a marked man after his run-ins with Ken Schrader and Tony Stewart a few weeks ago at Martinsville, so he must work to gain the respect that is so imperative in Nextel Cup competition. I think Ragan will be one of these guys who will really struggle early on, but will improve as the season progresses, kind of like Truex.

4.David Reutimann, Michael Waltrip Racing

David Reutimann will pilot the #00 Toyota Camry's for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007. Unfortunately, I see him really struggling in his rookie campaign. Obviously, Waltrip will be the flagship driver, and Dale Jarrett is a NASCAR champion with a big time sponsor in UPS. They will likely benefit, however, Reutimann should learn a lot from his veteran teammates.

5.A.J. Allmendinger, Red Bull Racing

Like Juan Pablo Montoya, A.J. Allmendinger will make the onerous transition from open-wheels to stock cars. Allmendinger, a five-time winner in the Champ Car series in 2006, has performed commendably in his two Craftsman Truck Series starts with Bill Davis Racing, but the Nextel Cup level is whole new ballgame. He is a rookie driver, with a rookie team, supported by a rookie manufacturer. Yeah, I would say that the odds are stacked against Allmendinger. I think that this team will struggle to stay in the top 35 in the owners standings.

6.Regan Smith, MB2 Motorsports

Under the tutelage of Mark Martin, Regan Smith will begin his Nextel Cup career as a student driver so to speak. While Martin will be driving the #01 Army Chevrolet in at least 20 races, Smith will take care of the rest of the schedule. Smith will benefit by this partial schedule, and by the time 2008 rolls around, he will be adequately equipped to take on a full Nextel Cup schedule.

7.Jon Wood, Wood Brothers Racing

Is it becoming a trend? Rookie splitting time with veterans? Jon Wood will share the famous 21 Ford with veteran Ken Schrader in 2007. The Wood Brothers do not obtain the powerful resources as the afore mentioned teams, so it may be a long season for both Wood and Schrader.