#01-Regan Smith claimed Raybestos Rookie of the Race honors for the first time this season. He was credited with a 31st-place finish. For the first time in NASCAR’s modern era, three drivers are tied for the lead in the Raybestos Rookie standings in the Sprint Cup Series. Smith, #40-Dario Franchitti and #77-Sam Hornish Jr. all have 20 points entering next week’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. By leading the Auto Club 500 once for one lap, Franchitti became the first Raybestos Rookie to lead a lap in the Sprint Cup Series this season. He was one of 15 different drivers to lead the race. He is the first Raybestos Rookie to lead a lap in the Auto Club 500 since J.J. Yeley led once for two laps in 2006.(Raybestos/Camp & Assoc PR), see my Rookies Page for how rookies are scored, history and more.(2-26-2008)
