Speaking of 2006 performances, a number of drivers have continued with their performances. Tony Stewart lost a tire near the end (you have to wonder if the run in with Kyle Busch had anything to do with that) and finished 21st. Kasey Kahne continued his impressive start with a 4th and Casey Mears continued his string of top tens with a 9th. Mark Martin scored a 6th and Greg Biffle and 8th, giving Roush three in the top five. Speaking of Roush, golden boy Carl Edwards finished 26th and wasn't up front at all today--yet another example of how he's either on fire or ice cold. Not a good formula for a championship run. Jeff Burton had an impressive 7th. Jeff Gordon ran well most of the day--not up front and dominating--but he did pull of a 5th. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., however, didn't do so well with a 27th.

That leaves us with an interesting top ten for the standings. Up front is wonder boy Jimmie Johnson, followed by Matt Kenseth. Next is the K/Caseys and Mark Martin rounding out the top 5. Not exactly the expected top 5. "Rookies" Kyle Busch and Clint Boyer are in 6th and 7th, with Elliot Sadler--where'd he come from?--in 8th. Jeff Gordon is in 9th, not exactly great for him, but after last year it's a good place to be. Jeff Burton rounds out the top 10, which is great for him and Richard Childress. Sitting just outside the top 10 is Dale Earnhardt, Jr., which is light years better than last year. And you have to go all the way back to 19th to find last year's champion, Tony Stewart.

I suppose it's way too early to be making pronouncements, but this is a very interesting start to 2006.