The three drivers are currently on top of the points standings. With a much-needed weekend break on the horizon, Winston Cup drivers have time to reflect on the first eight races of the season. Crew chiefs can study what did and did not work on the cars, and drivers can assess their performances at specific tracks.
Crews can rest, and families can get reac-quainted with fathers and husbands.
Some will enjoy this time to think. It is early in the year, but recent history shows that teams that perform well in the opening eight weeks generally continue to do so. For example, last year s lead group after the opening eight races contained nine of the top-10 points finishers for the second consecutive year. And in 1998, eight of the final 10 were in the top group after eight races. That elite set often has shuffled positions during the season, but few have fallen out of the group.