#2-Kurt Busch has led a resurgent Penske Racing over the first 13 races, improving from 21st at this time last year to a strong 4th, with a strong 226-point cushion inside the Top 12. Next comes #39-Ryan Newman, who has improved from 14th to 5th, and is the circuit’s top point-getter over the last five races. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (3rd to 18th), #29-Kevin Harvick (10th to 24th) and #33-Clint Bowyer (8th to 16th) are all 2008 Chasers who will have a tough time making a return to the Top 12. Harvick’s streak of three straight Chase appearances is in serious jeopardy, and this is the lowest he’s stood at the halfway point in six years. Stewart-Haas 2 of 2 (100%), Hendrick 3 of 4 (75%), Gibbs 2 of 3 (66%), Roush 3 of 5 (60%), Penske 1 of 3 (33%), Childress 1 of 4 (25%) are the teams currently in the Top 12. Lots of racing left, but #48-Jimmie Johnson and #17-Matt Kenseth look to be on their way to a sixth straight Chase. See more on my Sprint Cup Chase Stats and Notes page.(6-4-2009)
