WHO'S HOT:

1. Jeff Gordon:  First in the standings, stayed calm as an early morning pond and          smooth as glass after pit problems twice.  Lead the most laps again at Martinsville   again, has lead over 2300 laps there in his career.

2.  Jimmie Johnson:  Won the race.  He showed that he is not standing in anyone's shadow, proving that Jeff isn't the only big dog at Hendrix.  And now causing Rick Hendrix to have to pick his words of praise very carefully.

3.  Ryan Newman:  Excellent recovery from last week.  He put an embarassment behind him and had a great race this past weekend.  I think he will get a win before the season is over.

4.  Clint Bowyer:  Excellent driving ability overcame a less the well set-up car, he continues to live the impossible dream.  Maybe he is to young to know he isn't suppose to do this well.

5.  Tony Stewart:  Man enough to admit he can't win the championship by himself, said if he didn't get help it won't happen.  Great angry management on a race day where nothing went right.

6.  Dale Jr.:  He is still driving as hard as his car will allow for a company that hasn't cared all season.  He has to be wishing this season was already over.

                                                                   Who's Not

1.  DEI Organization:  Can't they build a car that will go "ALL OUT" through an entire race just once this season.

2.  Kurt Busch:  He continues to be his own worst enemy, dropped 3 spots this past weekend and there isn't much farther to fall.

3.  Martin Truex Jr.:  Way to many uncalled for contacts this past weekend.  He looked like a graduate of the Kyle Busch School of Driving.  His driving had negative influence on both Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards.  He ran into everything at the track except the concession stand.

4.  Robby Gordon:  Brought out the first of a record number of cautions.  He continues to go backwards.  The second best example that in this day and age that you can't be the owner and the driver.

5.  Dupont Pit Crew:  A loose lug nut and a dropped catch can could have just as easily resulted in a 30th place finish rather then a 3rd place finish.  Multi-tasking isn't always a good thing