Autostock
Jeff Gordon and Kurt Busch each have posted two top-fives and three top-10s in four races in '09.Gordon, Busch on beam in '09 after lackluster '08s
By Official Release
March 13, 2009
11:16 AM EDT
March 13, 2009
11:16 AM EDT
type size: + -
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and 2004 series champ Kurt Busch each have dusted off subpar 2008 seasons to reclaim prominence thus far in 2009.
The statistics tell the tale. The two rank in the top five in every key Loop Data category.
Below are a number of Loop Data statistical categories, and the top five in each through this season's first four races:
| Pos. | Driver Rating | No. | Avg. Run Pos. | No. | Fast Laps Run | No. | Pct. Laps/Top 15 | No. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | J. Gordon | 120.5 | J. Gordon | 5.818 | J. Gordon | 100 | J. Gordon | 94.4 | |||
| 2. | Ku. Busch | 108.2 | J. Johnson | 8.487 | Ku. Busch | 94 | C. Edwards | 89 | |||
| 3. | C. Edwards | 104.3 | Ku. Busch | 8.507 | G. Biffle | 90 | J. Johnson | 87.9 | |||
| 4. | J. Johnson | 104.2 | C. Edwards | 8.583 | J. Johnson | 81 | Ku. Busch | 80.8 | |||
| 5. | Ky. Busch | 104.0 | D. Hamlin | 11.4 | Ky. Busch | 59 | D. Hamlin | 78.3 |
Additionally, the two champions are far surpassing their numbers from 2008.
Gordon sits atop the series standings, holding a 43-point lead over Clint Bowyer. Last season, Gordon reached only as high as fifth in the points.
Busch finished last season 18th in points, but after four races this season is third in the series standings after a dominant win at Atlanta.
Take a look at the statistical difference between last season and this one for both drivers (through four races):
Jeff Gordon
| Year | Avg. Fin. | Avg. Run Pos. | Fast Laps Run | Pct. Laps/Top 15 | Driver Rating | Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 20.5 | 6.9 | 67 | 91.6 | 105.7 | 93 |
| 2009 | 5.8 | 5.8 | 100 | 94.4 | 120.5 | 142 |
• Shop: Jeff Gordon in the Superstore | Stats: Jeff Gordon in 2009
Kurt Busch
| Year | Avg. Fin. | Avg. Run Pos. | Fast Laps Run | Pct. Laps/Top 15 | Driver Rating | Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 16.0 | 19.7 | 8 | 34.2 | 78.4 | 9 |
| 2009 | 9.8 | 8.5 | 94 | 80.8 | 108.2 | 237 |
• Shop: Kurt Busch in the Superstore | Stats: Kurt Busch in 2009
| POPULAR ALERTS | ||||
|
What's Hot in NASCAR Search
Top Searches Updated Twice Daily by Ask.com
1. Michigan International Speedway2. NASCAR Driver Standings3. Lifelock 4004. NASCAR Racing5. How Do NASCAR Drivers Use the Bathroom6. NASCAR Schedule7. NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule8. Johnny Benson9. How Old Is Mark Martin10. Dale Earnhardt Jr
More Searches
Most Popular
Headlines
Videos
News
- Front-row sweep boosts hopes of revival at RPM - May 26, 2012 - NASCAR.COM
- Section of I-85 dedicated in honor of Gordon - May 25, 2012 - NASCAR.COM
- Late-race excitement on tap in Charlotte - May 25, 2012 - NASCAR.COM
Features
- NASCAR's marketing boss goes under cover
- NASCAR Race car
- From Bowie to Lester -- a history of black Cup drivers
Opinions
- The ongoing evolution of the ladies in Victory Lane
- Winning Charlotte, Indy proving an impossible feat
- Ballerinas to bruisers: Long trades tutu for Trucks
Remember To Check Out
All External sites will open in a new browser window. NASCAR.COM does not endorse external sites.
© 2001-2012 NASCAR | Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
NASCAR.COM is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
© 2001-2012 NASCAR | Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. NASCAR.COM is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
