Stenhouse Jr. Poised To Win Back-to-Back Titles

NATIONWIDE SERIES

Stenhouse Jr. Poised To Win Back-to-Back Titles

If it seems like you are seeing Déjà vu all over again as the NASCAR Nationwide Series heads to the series finale in Homestead for the Ford EcoBoost 300, it’s because you are. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Elliott Sadler battled tooth and nail for the 2011 title with Stenhouse taking the top honors at season’s end. The duo have continued that fierce battle this season as the only points leaders and swapping the lead between the two of them five times in 2012.

Here is the breakdown: Sadler: races 1-7; Stenhouse: races 8-11; Sadler: races 12-25; Stenhouse: race 26; Sadler: races 27-30; Stenhouse/Sadler tie: race 31; Stenhouse: race 32.

Following a solid third-place finish in Phoenix, Stenhouse returns to the top spot with one race remaining. He holds a 20-point lead over Sadler, who suffered a disappointing 22^nd-place finish at Phoenix following an accident. Stenhouse clinches the championship with a finish of 16th or better; or 17th or better with at least one lap led; or 18th or better with most laps led.

Stenhouse would become only the sixth NNS champion in series history to win back-to-back titles. The last driver to do so was Martin Truex Jr. in 2004-2005.

Eight-Year Winning Streak Remains On The Line for Kyle Busch

Time is running out for Kyle Busch. With one race remaining in 2012, Busch finds himself in unfamiliar territory once again searching for that elusive first Nationwide Series victory this season. In 21 starts for his own team Kyle Busch Motorsports, Busch has eight top-five and 13 top-10 finishes, including two runner-up finishes at Talladega and Chicago. Busch has won at least one NASCAR Nationwide Series race for eight straight seasons dating back to his first series victory in 2004. In addition, he holds the overall record for most wins (51) by a driver in the series.

Patrick Could Make History At Season’s End

Danica Patrick is on the verge of making history. Currently 10th in the NASCAR Nationwide Series points standings with one race remaining in 2012, she could become the highest-finishing female in national series history. The record is currently held by Sara Christian (13th, Sprint Cup, 1949).