With over half the season complete in the 2009 Sprint Cup circuit, it’s time to take a look back on the first half of the year.
For the biggest surprise of 2009, I’m going to go with Mark Martin. While there is no question he is one of the best drivers in recent history, many doubted his ability to compete at a full-time level again. Three wins and nine top-10s later, there are few left doubting. Martin has solidified himself as a championship contender, and could finally claim that points title that has eluded him his entire career.

For biggest disappointment, I’m choosing Kevin Harvick. While drivers such as Dale Eanrhradt Jr., David Ragan, and even Martin Truex Jr. could be considered for this recognition, none has fallen harder than Harvick.

Finishing fourth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup last season, Harvick sits in a dismal 25th in the current standings, far outside the Chase. Harvick is also rumored to want out of his current contract at Richard Childress Racing, and with Childress set to keep Harvick, it could make way for an ugly remainder of 2009.

As for rookie of the year, there isn’t much arguing that Joey Logano has all but locked up that distinction. Logano sits 20th in the standings, with one win and four top-10 finishes in just 22 career races.

And as for the most underrated drivers of the first half, David Reutimann and Marcos Ambrose get my nod. Reutimann sits 14th in the standings, with two poles, a victory, and four top-five finishes. Reutimann has been constantly improving in his time and Michael Waltrip Racing, and his success is accredited with drawing Martin Truex Jr. to the team for 2010.

Ambrose, running his first full-time Sprint Cup season, sits 18th in the standings, with two top-fives and five top-10s in the season’s first 19 races.

As for what to watch for the remainder of 2009, look for Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Jimmie Johnson, and even Kyle Busch to contend for the Sprint Cup title. Also, watch as the story unfolds on Kevin Harvick and his contract dispute, as well as where free agents Jamie McMurray and David Ragan end up.

Nationwide Series: Kyle Busch took the lead when Kevin Harvick ran out of fuel to capture the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 at Gateway International Raceway. Reed Sorenson was second, followed by Carl Edwards in third, Mike Bliss in fourth, and Brad Coleman in fifth. The victory was Busch’s sixth of 2009, and he now is fourth all-time with 27 Nationwide Series victories.

Camping World Truck Series: Ron Hornaday capitalized on several late cautions to close the gap and capture the victory at the Built Ford Tough 225 at Kentucky Speedway. It was Hornaday’s third straight victory in the truck series. Mike Skinner finished second, followed by Matt Crafton in third and Timothy Peters in fourth. Aric Almirola rounded out the top five.

Coming Up: All three series head to Indianapolis for a weekend of racing from the birthplace of American motorsports. The Sprint Cup Series drivers will compete in one of NASCAR’s crown jewels, the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while the Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series while hit the short track of O’Reilly Raceway Park.

Bruce Knoll, 17, of Eldora, can be contacted by email at bknoll jr4cmcherald@yahoo.com

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