The top 10 alone has some interesting nuggets, each position a storyline in itself. Here are a few. 1. Tony Stewart: Though in a points tie with Kurt Busch, Stewart inherits the title of points leader due to the tie-breaker of best finish in this case his runner-up result in Las Vegas. The last time Stewart held the points lead was Sept. 6, 2009 after Atlanta. 2. Kurt Busch: Second in points for the second consecutive week. If he can move up to the top spot, it would be the first time since April 26, 2009 after Talladega. 3. Carl Edwards: A short-lived trip outside the top 10 ended after his a win at Las Vegas, his third victory in the last five races. 4. Juan Pablo Montoya: This is the sixth time Montoya has been fourth or higher in the standings. His previous five trips were in the 2009 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. 5. Ryan Newman: It has been over a year since Ryan Newman was in the top five in points June 14, 2009 after Michigan was the last time. 6. Paul Menard: The highest ranking member of Richard Childress Racing, this is the highest Menard has ever been in the points standings. His previous high was eighth after this years Daytona 500. 7. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex was seventh after the Daytona 500, too. The last time he was this high in the points: 2007, when he made the Chase. 8. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin climbs the standings again this week, moving from 19th to 14th to 8th. 9. AJ Allmendinger: Allmendinger holds onto a top-10 spot for the third consecutive week. The last time the #43 was in the top 10 for three consecutive weeks was after race Nos. 29-31 in 1998 with driver John Andretti. 10. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Earnhardt rejoins the top 10 for the first time since April of last season, after Talladega.(NASCAR)(3-14-2011)
