Fontana: New car boosts competition

Record Breaking Performance: New Car Continues to Boost Competition

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2008) -- A week after challenging two race records at the Daytona 500, the new car being used in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series once again boosted competition at the front of the field -- this time at the Auto Club Speedway.

The record for lead changes at the Auto Club Speedway toppled Monday, as a total of 33 lead changes took place during the Auto Club 500. The previous record was 30.

Additionally, there were 15 different leaders, which came one leader shy of breaking the record of 16 set in last year's September race. The race continued an out-of-the-gate charge by the "new car."

During last week's Daytona 500, there were 42 lead changes among 16 drivers. The 42 lead changes were the most since 2001 and the fifth time since 1972 that the total reached 40. The 16 different leaders was the second highest total in Daytona 500 history (18 in 2006).

After a 16-race debut last season, the "new car" will run the full 36-race NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule in 2008. It did not race at either Daytona or Fontana last season.

Post-race statistics show a competitive race featuring dominant performances from many drivers. Seven drivers earned a Driver Rating of at least 100.0:

-credit: nascar