Under new system, Sprint Cup starting positions hinge on strong finishes
The biggest surprise in the top ten in points is Paul Menard. For years Menard has moved through out the Sprint Cup garage on the coat tails of his family sponsorship. Menards has always been a big money sponsor and in the last few seasons has carried the young driver from Yates Racing to Richard Petty Motor Sports and finally to Richard Childress Racing for 2011. After eight years of Sprint Cup experience and a strong owner, Menard is making the most of his opportunities and racing smart and hard.
Other surprises this season have included the struggles of Jimmie Johnson, who finally fought his way into the top ten following Bristol. Menard's RCR team mates Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick have all had their troubles. Harvick sits 15th in points and is slowly getting his season back together, but Burton and Bowyer continue to struggle and need to finish well at California's Auto Club Speedway to hold on to the top 35 in owner's points and a guaranteed starting position.
