Report card: James Phelps rates the drivers in V8 Supercars' class of 2013 As it get down to the business end of the season, Speed catches up with Mark Skaife to get his views on the year so far and how things will unfold. SCOTT McLaughlin has powered his way past Craig Lowndes and Mark Winterbottom to be rated as one of the best-performed drivers by the Daily Telegraph Chief Motorsport Writer James Phelps. With a win in his debut season he is only shaded by Jamie Whincup, who is once again at the top of the class. JAMIE WHINCUP, A+ It is difficult to fault Whincup, with the Red Bull Racing Australia driver roaring towards a record-equalling 5th V8 Supercar title. The reigning champion has not had it all his way this year but has rebounded from his mishaps to maintain a healthy 111 point lead over nearest rival Craig Lowndes. Whincup has not been as dominant as previous years and that can be put down to the "Car of the Future." A class act. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN, A The now 20-year-old Kiwi came from nowhere in New Zealand to become one of the rare rookie drivers to win a race. Battling in a Garry Rogers car that is not as strong as the likes of Red Bull and FPR, McLaughlin has been a constant menace in the top ten, often matching times with the sport's stars. He is running 11th in the championship but is a future star. FABIAN COULTHARD, A Another surprise packet who has risen from the mid-field to become a serious contender. In another team that can't match it with the big guns when it comes to budgets, Coulthard has won three races and sits comfortably in the top ten. Who is sparking and who is stalling in the V8 Supercars class of 2013? CRAIG LOWNDES, B+ Lowndes has been up-and-down but there is no denying his class. Age seems no barrier for this 39-year-old and he is a driver that relishes the second half of the season with big points up for grabs in the endurance races. He needs to improve his qualifying. WILL DAVISON, B By being consistent, Davison has outpointed his more fancied teammate Mark Winterbottom. Davison has enjoyed good pace in his Falcon and has bagged the points. He needs to push harder for race wins to push Whincup. RICK KELLY, B He might be coming 12th in the championship but don't be fooled by the points. Kelly is driving a Nissan this year and has had his work cut out with the brand new machine. The Nissan can't match it with anyone when it comes to horsepower but Kelly has punched above his weight to land top-tens and show that the new manufacturer will be a future force. Credit must also go to James Moffat, who has also done a sterling job in a Nissan. MARK WINTERBOTTOM, C+ Winterbottom could have easily got an A had Lady Luck smiled upon him this year, but she has instead decided to smack him on the butt. Winterbottom has been one of the quickest all year with his FPR Ford a flyer. Unfortunately blown tyres and poor pit stops have cost him race wins. Winterbottom has also been aggressive - maybe overly at times - and needs a big run home to shed his bridesmaid tag. Ford's David Reynolds has posted the best time in Practice for the Ipswich 360 after Mercedes-Benz dominated the day GARTH TANDER, C Tander is a fighter who has been locked in a hopeless battle with his fading team. Fortunately the Holden Racing Team (HRT) seem to be back on track and a win in Townsville has Tander confident of returning to the glory days. TIM BLANCHARD, F Poor Tim Blanchard has looked out of his depth in a V8 Supercar. The rookie has not enjoyed the best of resources with DJR struggling financially but he still has FPR equipment. New driver Chaz Mostert has really shown Blanchard up with the fellow rookie pushing inside the ten with the same gear. He needs to improve or his V8 career will be over. MARO ENGEL, F Maro Engel has shown some progress of late, but there is no getting past the fact he sits last on the championship ladder with 390 points. It has been a battle for everyone in the new Mercedes team and experienced driver Lee Holdsworth has also struggled. Enjoy every V8 Supercars race in stunning HD on SPEED in 2013.