Although it is only just under a third of the way through the season, having an off week this weekend gives me a little time to reflect on the season thus far. I thought I would take the opportunity to grade some of the drivers through ten races.

Rusty Wallace B- Despite solid runs as expected on the short tracks, the restrictor plate curse still follows Rusty around. He must have better performances at the superspeedways to keep his championship hopes alive.

Dale Earnhardt C Dale has the opposite problem as Rusty. He has got to do a better job at the unrestricted tracks. His season looks like it might be turning around. Don't count out the "Man in Black"

Terry Labonte B 4 top tens including a popular win at Texas. Seems to be lacking some of the old consistency

Mark Martin A- Being slightly overshadowed right now by his teammate, Mark is putting together another fantastic season. Already has 6 top 5 finishes.

Michael Waltrip B Who would have thought this new team would have been this good this fast. His 15^th place in the standings really isn't indicative of the season he is having.

Ricky Rudd F He did get a pole at Rockingham. Ricky is proving that it is next to impossible to have a lot of success in Winston Cup now days without a lot of help. Look for another late season win to keep his streak going, possibly at the season ending contest at Homestead.

Bobby Labonte A- Needs to step it up a hair at the short tracks. Consistency has definitely made a step forward this year.

Tony Stewart A+ This guy is for real!! Unfortunately, a win is almost expected now, and winning in this series takes more than just skill. A lock for rookie of the year. Probable championship contender next year. The next Davey Allison?

Ward Burton B+ This team is really turning things around. Look for a win at Charlotte later this month.

Jeff Gordon B Would have been an A based on his 3 wins already, but 3 DNF's is giving the rest of the field a chance.

Kenny Irwin C+ I don't think this team is far away from making some noise.

Mike Skinner B With time, consistency will come, but will a win? Until this team can threaten for the win week in and out, I don't see them as a serious title contender.

Kenny Schrader B- Kenny wins the Brickyard!! Andy Petree seems to be getting the best of the RAD arrangement.

Ernie Irvan C- Can you believe this team is only 27^th in points? OK, can you believe that there are 4 Pontiac teams ahead of him?

John Andretti A- Not that a win and 4 top tens is bad, but this team has done better than some of it's finishes showed. Possibly the strongest car at Talladega. Another win or two is very possible this year.

Kyle Petty B When this team makes the race or doesn't finish last, they are very good! 3 top ten finishes in only 8 starts.

Dale Jarrett A The only thing missing this year is a win. They will get some!! Took a huge step towards the championship by recovering from 3 disasters at California to finish 5^th.

Bill Elliott F See Ricky Rudd. Unfortunately, luck has not been a good friend to Bill this year. Three times already, he has been a victim of pitting and losing a lap when caution came out later. Things can only go up from here, and he is still 18^th in points.

Chad Little B+ Like Michael Waltrip, this team has run better than some of the finishes would indicate. His 2 top tens could have easily been 4 or 5

Jeff Burton A+ The two wins really isn't that surprising. The Mark Martinlike consistency week in and out is. It will be interesting to see how this team responds to the pressures of being the points leader.

This is shaping up to be one of those special seasons. At this point, there really has not been any dominate team, although Jeff Gordon may have been running away with the title if not for his problems. To put it in perspective, Jeff has won 3 of the 7 races he has finished. His luck hasn't been all bad either, the same rain at Darlington that saved Jeff Burton also saved Jeff Gordon from a poor finish.