Johnny Benson has been on a steady climb, digging out from being back in the points following Daytona. After a disappointing 26th-place finish in the season opener, his results have improved with each race.

Benson, the reigning series champion, made the move to Red Horse Racing at the end of last year, not really knowing what was ahead. While some members of his former team joined him, there was a lot of work to be done and all the adjustments that come with being with a new team.

The hard work and determination is showing and has Benson right where he was at this point last year.

Sitting fifth in points, he heads to Lowe's with his focus on his team's continual climb.

"We're excited to be fifth in the points, especially considering the problems we had at Daytona," said Benson. "Finishing 26th was a big blow to us but it really says something about this team, to be able to battle back to the fifth spot just five races later."

"We're really happy with where we are now and will focus on climbing even more spots in the coming weeks."

His record at Lowe's isn't necessarily one to boast about. In four starts, Benson only has one top-five finish. The rest fall outside the top 10.

Benson finished second at Kansas and shouldn't be kept out of the mix.

Johnny Benson (No. 1) is sandwiched between Kyle Busch (No. 51) and Johnny Sauter (No. 13) during this season's opening race at Daytona International Speedway.