Midway Awards

Sure, there are still 20 races to go until the Nextel Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 18, but the 2007 regular season is already more than half over. With 10 races left until the start of the Chase, here's a look at the best and the worst of racing so far.

Best rookie
Juan Pablo Montoya

At 21st in the point standings, he is the highest ranking rookie, but the full magnitude of his talent was on display on June 24 at Sonoma when a masterly drive brought him his first Cup win in 17 starts.

Best team
Hendrick Motorsports

While the Gibbs and Penske teams moan about the breaks of the game, the Hendrick operation, which has 10 wins, makes its own luck.

Best driver
Jeff Gordon

Four wins and 14 top 10s in 16 races. The four-time champ's in top form.

Best comeback
Ryan Newman

A year after his lost season, Flyin' Ryan is again earning poles and running in front. Now he just needs to win a few races.

Best sophomore
Denny Hamlin