Only six times in the modern era (1972-present) has the eventual champion not won in the first six races. The winners in the first 6 races of 2005: #24-Jeff Gordon, #16-Greg Biffle, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #99-Carl Edwards and #29-Kevin Harvick.
When did a driver win the Championship and not win a race in the first six? 1973-Benny Parsons; 1984 and 1996-Terry Labonte; 1985-Darrell Waltrip; 1999-Dale Jarrett; 2005-Tony Stewart.(11-21-2005)
