Kurt Busch takes points lead in NASCAR Sprint Cup series

Kurt Busch became the first Dodge driver to lead the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings since the 2008 Daytona 500, won by Ryan Newman. Busch has not held the lead since March 2005.

Busch, driving the #2 Dodge (sponsored by Miller), had visible damage when he finished the race at Talladega on Sunday, in sixth place. That finish was enough to launch him into first place in points. 

Talladega is known for major accidents, and Sunday’s race saw a 14 car accident early in the race and a 10 car crash 173 laps later; two leaders hit each other in the last lap as well.  Busch was affected by the first incident, requiring a pit stop for repairs, as did two further incidents later in the race. 

Other Dodge cars finished in positions 11, 19, 31, 34, 35, and 36.  After nine of 36 races, only Kurt Busch is in positive numbers in the point standings, at 1,242 points. (Source: Chrysler)