after five Chase races [of 10], #48-Jimmie Johnson has the largest points lead after five races of any of the 6 Chases [2004-2009]. The points leaders after five races in each of the four seasons:
2009: Jimmie Johnson 90 points ahead of Mark Martin
2008: Jimmie Johnson 69 points ahead of Jeff Burton
2007: Jeff Gordon 68 points ahead of Jimmie Johnson
2006: Jeff Burton 45 points ahead of Matt Kenseth (Johnson was -146 and won the Chase)
2005: Tony Stewart 11 points ahead of Jimmie Johnson
2004: Kurt Busch 24 points over Dale Earnhardt Jr.
(season champ in bold)(10-19-2009)
