Having a slow start last season was an understatement for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. After five races, he was considered to be on the brink of losing his ride with Roush Fenway Racing. He had an average finish of 32.2, two did not finish (DNF) results and his No. 6 team had fallen out of the top 30 in owner points. But Stenhouse was able to bounce back. He went on to have a strong second half, posting three top fives, eight top 10s and also earned Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
His momentum has continued into 2011. He’s the fourth different driver standings leader this season, joining Landon Cassill, Reed Sorenson and Jason Leffler.
“I get it (standings lead) for two weeks at least, that is cool,” Stenhouse said, referring to this week’s open date. “I have always wanted to lead the points. I feel like I have the capability of putting it up front and taking the points lead. I am glad we have it now and hope we keep it and open it up a little bit.”
Stenhouse posted his second career top-five finish last Saturday at Auto Club Speedway to take the top spot in the standings by six points over Leffler and 25 points ahead of third-place Justin Allgaier. Unlike his slow start last year, Stenhouse has an average finish of 8.2, has captured one pole, posted four top 10s, led 38 laps and has completed all but two laps after the first five races in 2011.
“I don’t know if it is the new points system getting in our minds that a Nationwide regular is going to win the championship, but it seems like the regulars have been in the top five and running strong. I think it has upped the competition and everyone is trying a little harder,” he said.
Stenhouse has the best average finish among a trio of RFR drivers that includes 2007 series champion Carl Edwards (9.2) and Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne (14.2). Bayne is having a solid season as well. He is currently sixth in the standings, 31 points behind Stenhouse. Last Saturday, he posted his third top-10 finish of the young season.
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