Shop Talk: Pocono

Whatever the reason, this time of year breeds first-time winners.

The past two races -- at Lowe's Motor Speedway and Dover International Speedway -- have resulted in Casey Mears and Martin Truex Jr. visiting Victory Lane for the first time in their Nextel Cup Series careers.

Last year at this time, Denny Hamlin grabbed his first Cup win at Pocono Raceway.

Each earned their victory with the precision of a veteran winner, racking up impressive stats.

In fact, since the start of 2005, there have been seven first-time winners -- and each time their coming-out party earned high marks.

Below are the first-time winners since the inception of Loop Data in 2005, along with some key stats from that particular race:

Of the first-time winners, Hamlin ranks third behind Kasey Kahne and Martin Truex Jr. in Driver Rating with his 137.1 in the 2006 Pocono 500.

But Hamlin saved his best for last -- or second.

Hamlin, who navigated the unique Pocono layout with a skill unexpected from a rookie, showed his first victory was no fluke. He built upon the success and completely dominated the second race at Pocono last season.

Check some of the statistics he posted at his second victory at Pocono Raceway, which was also his last visit to Victory Lane.

Hamlin's Driver Rating is a point off the perfect 150.0 maximum Driver Rating, which is even more impressive considering that success at Pocono Raceway is rarely automatic.

The following is the number of attempts it took a select group of drivers before their first Pocono win: Jimmie Johnson (five tries); Jeff Gordon (seven, he finished 28th and 37th his first two attempts); Tony Stewart (nine).

If Hamlin can repeat his Pocono success, he'll win his first race of 2007.