The current difference in Winston Cup drivers points from positions first and second is 53. Since the inception of the current point system in 1975, there have been seven instances where the points battle was closer – 1996, 1992, 1990, 1988, 1984, 1977 and 1976. The current difference in the points from positions first through 10th is 357. Since the inception of the current point system in 1975, there has only been one case where the points battle was closer – 1989 (343 points). Bobby Labonte currently holds the NASCAR Winston Cup Series point lead. If he were to continue at his current pace of 148.7 points per race (approx. sixth-place finishes), the following is what the top five drivers will need to do to overtake him: Dale Jarrett needs to avg. 153 ppr. (approx. 5th-place finishes), Dale Earnhardt needs to avg. 156 ppr. (approx. 4th-place finishes), Jeff Burton needs to avg. 162.1 ppr. (approx. 3rd-place finishes) and Rusty Wallace needs to avg. 166.6 ppr. (approx. 2nd-place finishes)(NASCAR PR/Fact Sheet)(8-1-2000)
