#39-Ryan Newman ‘s podium finish with a wrecked race car at Talladega catapulted him four more spots in The Race to the Chase, to within 30 points of 12th. Newman has gained 19 spots over the last five races. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s strong second also moved him up four spots and now he’s risen nine notches in the standings over the last five. Dale Jr. now sits only 45 points out of the Top 12, with Junior-friendly Richmond awaiting Saturday night. #29-Kevin Harvick was caught up in a wreck at ‘Dega and dropped four spots further back outside the Top 12. Now mired in 20th, Harvick is still only 145 points away from the Top 12. Through nine races, the #29 team is 14 spots off last year’s pace. See more on my Chase Stats Page.(5-2-2009)
