Credit: Autostock

Biffle basking in Nextel Cup spotlight

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Greg Biffle has the Nextel Cup points lead for the first time in his career. He plans to keep it, too.

Biffle, who won championships in the Craftsman Truck series in 2000 and the Busch series in 2002, heads into Saturday night's Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway 22 points ahead of Jimmie Johnson. Biffle has a series-leading five victories, has led more laps than anyone and has more confidence than ever with his newfound success in NASCAR's premier series.

	Credit: Autostock
	GREG BIFFLE •   Driver Page •   2005 Stats •   Superstore: Biffle gear

"I'm not as concerned about the points anymore," he said. "All I wanted to do was lead the points. I don't care if I lead them for a week. If something were to happen Saturday night, it wouldn't be that big of a deal because I know it would be a matter of time and we'll have it back again."

Biffle took over the top spot after last week's race in Sonoma, Calif., where he finished 14th while Johnson was 36th after having early gear problems.

"It's hard to put in words how excited I am to be leading the points," Biffle said. "We've worked so hard for it and I've been thinking about it all my career and we're finally here. ... It means a lot right now -- to the team, to myself because of the fact that it kind of shifts the spotlight. We're on top."

And the changes have been noticeable.

Souvenir trucks regularly sell their entire stock of hats, T-shirts and other memorabilia for Biffle's No. 16 Ford. Autograph lines are longer. And Biffle even has a national television commercial.

"I enjoy the spotlight," said Biffle, trying to become the first driver to win titles in all the top three NASCAR series. "I'm not like Jeff Gordon or (Dale) Earnhardt Jr., where I can't walk down the street yet, but we'll see."