Sadler's Sweet Redemption

Not winning a Nationwide race since 1998 can really put a driver down. Elliott Sadler has been trying for 13 seasons to win another Nationwide race. Breaking his winless streak came on Saturday afternoon when he won the 2nd Nationwide race of 2012 at Phoenix International Speedway. Sadler ran in mid-pack for most of the race avoiding wrecks and slowly gaining track position. This win extends Sadler 10 points over Austin Dillon in the championship standings. After his 3rd place finish at Daytona he was leading the points leaving Daytona and now he's in the same spot leaving Phoenix. From now on wins and staying consistent can easily help him win the championship. He is on a good start so far. Last year in 2011 Sadler was caught up in a late race wreck at this same track. That one mistake ruined his championship hopes. Now in a new season, with a new team Richard Childress Racing, he is getting back his redemption.

Rounding off the top 5 were Brad Keselowski, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Austin Dillon and Kevin Harvick. Austin Dillon has had an impressive rookie start to the season with 2 top tens. He sits 2nd in points and is in contention for Rookie of the Year.

Carl Edwards' absent in this series has helped 2 lower class drivers to score wins. One being a rookie in James Buecsher and the other a veteran in Elliott Sadler. So far the season has offered both surprise wins and a hopeful look into what may come in this 2012 Nationwide Series season.