After finishing a career-best second Saturday at Gateway International Raceway,
Johnny Sauter (No. 13 Fun Sand/Rodney Atkins/Curb Records Chevrolet) improved
his lead in the NASCAR Raybestos Rookie of the Year points standings.
Sauter was the top rookie for the third consecutive race and earned his third
straight top-five finish in the process. With only seven races remaining in
2009, Sauter is nearing the Rookie of the Year honors over Tayler Malsam (No. 81
One-Eighty Toyota), who despite losing ground finished fifth at Gateway, his
second top-five of 2009. The pair are separated by 16 points.
James Buescher (No. 10 International MAXX Force Diesel Ford) isn't far behind,
but can't be complacent. He lies 36 points behind Sauter with 152 points,
following a 23rd-place finish at Gateway after he was involved in an accident.
Ricky Carmichael (No. 4 Monster Energy Chevrolet) is fourth, with Brian Ickler
(No. 15 Graceway Pharmaceuticals Toyota) fifth, up one spot from last week.
Raybestos Rookie Of The Year Standings
Rk Driver Points
1. Johnny Sauter 188
2. Tayler Malsam 172
3. James Buescher 152
4. Ricky Carmichael 120
5. Brian Ickler 83
6. J.R. Fitzpatrick 79
7. Brent Raymer 65
8. Chris Jones 59
9. Chase Austin 16
10. Ryan Hackett 6
