Bowyer now looks ahead to Friday night’s Lipton TEA 250 at Richmond International Raceway. Especially since he comes into the race as the defending winner.

For Bowyer the win at Richmond last spring was a breakthrough one for his Richard Childress Racing team.

“I think it was. That win led to a lot of good things,” Bowyer said. “We ran well last season. We only had two less top fives than (2007 division champion) Carl (Edwards) and we only ran a part-time schedule. I don’t think it’s a mystery that I’m looking forward to going to Richmond.”

I’m hoping we can put Talladega behind us and pick our momentum back up and hang on to the points lead.”

It shouldn't come as a surprise if Bowyer builds on his points lead at Richmond where he’s posted three of his six finishes in the top 10 including last season’s win.

But Bowyer can’t be concerned with simply keeping ahead of second place. Kyle Busch who has already scored three victories this year is only 39 points back in third and knocking on the door.

“I knew Kyle was going to be a factor before this was all said and done,” Bowyer said. “The No. 20 car is fast, doesn't seem to really matter who is in it. It is going to lead laps and stuff. I said at the beginning of the year I didn't think it was necessarily going to be the one who won the most races is going to be the one that has what it takes to win the championship. I still believe that."