Matt Kenseth captured the Auto Club 502 at California Speedway over Jimmie Johnson for his first win since Bristol last August and had to survive a green/white/checker to do it. This was career win #11 for Matt (he’s solo in 49th all-time) and the 90th for Roush Racing in NEXTEL Cup competition. Matt’s win was worth $324,991 from the over $5.9M in posted awards. Pretty good haul this weekend for Cactus Jack….Truck win on Friday, Busch win yesterday, and Cup today. And he had two drivers (Kenseth & dominant Greg Biffle) lead 201 of the 251 circuits to boot!
Kasey Kahne (4th) had his best finish since he was runner-up at The Brickyard last August.
J. J. Yeley (8th) had his career-best finish today. His previous best was 25th at Dover last September.
Scott Riggs (19th) had his best finish since he was runner-up at Michigan last August.
Reed Sorenson (21st) had his career-best finish today. His previous best was 28th at Homestead last November.
STREAKIN….Carl Edwards has 5 Top-10’s in the last 6 races.
Jimmie Johnson has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races.
Casey Mears has 4 Top-10’s in the last 5 races.
The Rookie Report: J.J. Yeley (8th) was the top finishing freshman today. He was followed by Denny Hamlin (12th), Clint Bowyer (14th), Martin Truex Jr (15th), Reed Sorenson (21st), David Stremme (33rd), and Brent Sherman (37th).
This Week’s Elevator….UP: Operator of the Week is a lonely Matt Kenseth (+30). DOWN: The Big Dropper is Greg Biffle (-40), followed by Tony Stewart (-31). Can’t get much slower in the “Shaft”.
Early in the season we get some wild swings in the point standings and this week is no exception. Carl Edwards (43rd to 21st) made the best move forward while Bill Elliott (18th to 39th) and Kirk Shelmerdine (20th to 41st), two drivers not entered this weekend, each fell 21 spots.(StockCarFans)(2-26-2006)
