1. Jimmie Johnson (car No. 48): The rookie gets third place in his first race at Pocono? Be impressed, be very impressed. Last week: 1.

2. Sterling Marlin (car No. 40): Solid run maintains points margin. Remember, he had a win at Michigan last season. Last week: 2.

3. Mark Martin (car No. 6): Dover wreck that dropped out of the sky on him may prove pivotal by year’s end. Last week: 5.

4. Jeff Gordon (car No. 24): Still got a top five despite taking his car for a spin on way in for a pit stop. Last week: 4.

5. Matt Kenseth (car No. 17): This team is losing points ground in big gulps after two rough weekends in a row. Last week: 3.

6. Tony Stewart (car No. 20): If switching to Chevy is really the only way to be a contender, it’s time to make that switch. Last week: 6.

7. Dale Jarrett (car No. 88): The fates decided he wouldn’t have to battle his teammate for a victory at Pocono. Last week: 15.

8. Ricky Rudd (car No. 28): The way it’s going, this team couldn’t get a break at an egg farm. Last week: 10.

9. Jeff Burton (car No. 99): Gave it a shot with gas-only stop late at Pocono. Last week: 11.

10. Bill Elliott (car No. 9): Had a strong horse for a while at Pocono, but its legs the engine finally gave out. Last week: 8.