This year's Raybestos Rookie of the Year class may be smaller than last year's, but plenty of talent abounds among the 10 announced candidates.

Among the group are NASCAR national series veteran Tim Sauter (No. 07 Lester Buildings Chevrolet); open wheel stars Aaron Fike (No. 1 RFMS Toyota) and Tyler Walker (No. 36 360 OTC Toyota); and Canada's Peter Shepherd (No. 50 Roush Racing Ford).

The 2007 season marks the 12th time the rookie award has been contested. Roush Racing drivers have won the award five times - including three out of the past four seasons.

Several series rookies of the year have gone on to stellar NASCAR NEXTEL Cup careers, including Greg Biffle (1998), Kurt Busch (2000) and Edwards (2003).

Darnell won the 2006 Raybestos Rookie of the Year title.