Arianne:  Mark Martin's team has been the nice surprise.  He's only run 9 races so far this year and he's 26th in point standings.  Martin has always been consistent but the competition is so strong in recent years and his ability to keep the #8 car inside that critical top 35 is amazing.  His team sits above a ton of full-time regulars who haven't had the same success.  J.J. Yeley comes to mind as this year's disappointment so far.  What could have been a second chance for success in the Sprint Cup Series looks to be another sub-par year for Yeley.  Maybe the second half of the year will be better for the #96 team.

Kris:   I think Joe Gibbs has been the most surprising. I really didn't think they would be that good in just the second year of Toyota's entrance to the Cup series. I'm also surprised that Hendrick Motorsports (especially Jimmie and Jeff) aren't doing as well as I would have expected.

 

Brianna:  On the positive side, I would have to say that Kyle and Dale Jr's new teaming agreements have worked out well so far.  Also the Gibbs cars are doing fine.  As for a disappointing season, the Number 17 and Number 24 are working out the bugs and hopefully will come out and score some wins.  Ok, now my predictions a month from now.  The Cat in the Hat scores big at Dover and Pocono.  Junior will win at Daytona.  Jimmy Johnson and Tony Stewart start their annual charge to the front.  More to come...
 

Paolo:   Joe Gibbs Racing is the positive surprise. The NFL SuperBowl-winning coach, since his racing operation started, worked with General Motors engines. I thought he would have a bad year just like Michael Waltrip did last year. In another words, JGR really did a good job... and if in the begining of the current season I was surprised with the team's performance, after 11 races, I feel confortable to express my bet that Mr. Gibbs will celebrate the 2008 crown at New York this November. On the other hand, the negative note -- in my humble opinion -- must be addressed to MWR: it's the second year they've been using Toyota's. Can someone explain to me why JGR, on his 1st year with Toyota has already conquered 4 victories, while MWR, in it's second year with the same manufacturer, hasn't visited the Gatorade Victory Lane yet? BTW, it just proves that Dale Jarrett made a bad move by leaving the cockpit of his RYR's Ford for his last season (but that's another subject...).

 

Katy:  I'm gonna say Brian Vickers' Red Bull team. They have made a complete turn-around from last year. They had to qualify their way into the first five races of the season, did so, and have been pretty solid ever since and are now sitting 17th in points. Pretty amazing considering all the races they missed last year. Although I know Brian is a great driver, so maybe it shouldn't be that surprising.