HAMILTON JR. STANDS TALL AMONG CUP DRIVERS

Let’s play Jeopardy! Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Dave Blaney, David Reutimann, Bobby Hamilton, Jr, Matt Kenseth, David Regan and Kyle Busch.

What is a list of Nextel Cup drivers?

Almost…. The list is actually the top eight in the NASCAR Busch Series Point’s Championship. Seven of the eight are Nextel Cup drivers, fifth place Bobby Hamilton, Jr. is the only true Busch Series driver among the top eight in the series standings following the Talladega Superspeedway race. The driver of the McDonald’s Ford has his sights set on climbing further up the point’s ladder next week in Richmond.

With a solid and consistent 12th place finish on Saturday, Hamilton climbed four positions in the standings to fifth, placing the Tennessee native in the unique position of being the only true Busch Series driver in the top-eight. After starting from the 22nd position on Saturday afternoon, Hamilton drove a careful race and managed to escape trouble enroute to the positive finish.

Over the final 20 laps of the event, Hamilton climbed from 24th position to 12th before taking the checkered flag.

“We had to be a little bit careful here after getting wrecked the week before,” said Hamilton. “This race can change on you real fast and we did our best to drive smart and bring home a solid finish for McDonald’s. We are going to keep working hard and try to climb even higher in the points.”

Bobby Labonte claimed the win with a last lap pass of Tony Stewart. The Busch Series now heads for Richmond International Raceway on Friday evening. Check your local ESPN listings for broadcast times in your area.