As fans and the media work themselves into a mouth-foaming frenzy wondering where Kevin Harvick is headed next year, it's important to remember that top drivers rarely leave teams in their prime—unless you have Kurt Busch's amazing ability to piss off everyone you meet, from teammates to blood relatives. In recent years, championship-caliber drivers change owners about as often as a Talladega fan changes his underwear. Of the top 10 drivers in the standings, only Mark Martin has driven a full season for more than one owner—and Mark's been with Roush Racing since 1988, so NASCAR's hobbit isn't exactly Bilbo Baggins.

Yet somebody—either Richard Childress or Toyota—is going to make a mistake and overpay for Harvick's services in 2007. So what if every driver were available in a free market? These would be the best choices for a 10-year deal—taking into account talent, marketability, and whether he'll live long enough to honor the entire contract.

Rank Name Age Reason
1.
Kasey Kahne		 26 With the blue eyes to sell Pumas to middle school girls and the lead foot to challenge for the Cup, Kahne is an owner's dream. With only one DNF so far this year, Kahne is proving he can become the consistent driver needed to win a championship.
2.


Dale Earnhardt Jr.

31

Ten thousand drunks in red at every track and Budweiser commercials on television every eight minutes can't be wrong—Junior can move merchandise. He's not the championship threat of the other top five on this list, but as Michael Waltrip's career proves, winning is secondary to pleasing sponsors in today's NASCAR.
3.


Jimmie Johnson

30

His well-rounded driving skills make him a threat at every track. His engaging personality makes sponsors swoon. His eyebrows inspire thousands of hedge trimmer sales at Lowe's.
4.


Tony Stewart

34

It wouldn't surprise me if Tony won the next five championships—he's that talented. It also wouldn't surprise me if he keeled over from a massive coronary on Thursday—he's that bloated.

5.


Kyle Busch

20

As long as Kyle can avoid any more Taco Bell parking lot incidents, he won't pass his brother for the "Biggest Jerk on the Track" title. While his hard-headedness doesn't earn him many friends, his hard charging could earn him several titles.

6.


Jeff Gordon

35

Last year's slip from the top 10 was an anomaly, but Gordon is no longer the threat to win every weekend that he used to be. Whether he's lost some of his passion or his equipment no longer allows him to dominate, today's Jeff Gordon is clearly not the Jeff Gordon of '95–'98. With nothing left to prove as a racer—and the chance to hang with Kelly Ripa every morning—you have to wonder if Jeff will still be racing when he's 45.

7.


Carl Edwards

26

A year ago, I'd have ranked Carl in the top three, but this year's inconsistency cast a bit of doubt on Mr. Victory Flip. Then again, my 1-for-5 prediction performance in Phoenix has cast a bit of doubt on my abilities to distinguish John Lovitz' anus from the Grand Canyon.

8.


Matt Kenseth

34

With the exception of the first half of 2005, Kenseth might be the best driver of the last four seasons. The media pays such little attention to Kenseth, however, that you would never hear his name on SportsCenter if not for Jeff Gordon's seventh-grade girl shove.

9.


Kurt Busch

27

Is Busch talented enough to win another title? Of course. Is he arrogant and angry enough to get chased away from another team with torches and pitchforks? You betcha. A team sponsored by Al Qaeda wouldn't get booed as loudly as Busch—not exactly the response sponsors are looking for when they sign a million-dollar deal.

10.


Nicole Lunders a.k.a. Greg Biffle

36

Signing Nicole is actually a package deal. You get boyfriend Greg Biffle as your driver and Nicole as your pit row enforcer. It's like hiring Jimmy Spencer—without the police blotter.
Honorable mentions: Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick