For a number of top drivers, this year’s championship may already be out of reach – if historical precedent means anything. If a team isn’t in the top-20 by this point of the season, it may be all over but the shouting, judging by statistics over the last 30 years. Since 1975 only 28 drivers have worked their way back into the top 10 by the 26-race mark after falling below 20th in the standings in the opening month of the season. That stat has to be worrisome for NASCAR top-dogs who are currently not in the top-20, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. (26th), Michael Waltrip (27th), Kasey Kahne (28th), Matt Kenseth (31st) and Bobby Labonte (37th).(Winston Salem Journal)(3-22-2005)
