Devon,
A couple of thought provoking questions. Here are my top three in both categories.
What has surprised me the most? 1)I would say the number of top notch drivers without full time rides. I know the economy has a lot to do with it, but I would think that would hurt inexperienced drivers more than the top guns. 2)The John Memmer situation at Danville. If I wouldn't have seen it with my own eyes, I probably would have been very skeptical. 3)The number of rain outs/cancellations/enhancements that have transpired.
Who has surprised me the most? 1)Coleman Gulick stands out the most. A truly gifted driver who has shown so much maturity for his very young age. He has been easy on equipment and respectful of the other drivers around him. He is so much fun to watch. 2)Blake Fitzpatrick is a real gasser. He started off sprint week opening some folks eyes and you knew it wouldn't be long before he found victory lane. Another fun youngster to keep an eye on. 3)Bryan Clauson. The last night of sprint week he and Levi were in a struggle for the points championship. With a slim one point lead heading into the feature he and Levi were starting side by side. Whoever could finish ahead of the other was surely the champion. Bryan received a terrible break when three cars in front of Levi on the inside row got tangled up on the initial start. Relagated to the back of the field, that gave Levi the opportunity to move up three rows. Instead of just riding it out, young Mr. Clauson got up on the wheel
and showed his mettle. He eventually ran out of laps but still came close to making it a bang/bang finish. IMO, it was the drive of the year so far.