Last fall at Dover, we chronicled Jimmie Johnson's pursuit of the 2,000 laps-led mark. He was in position to reach the milestone until being passed by Kurt Busch late.
Johnson led the opening six laps of the FedEx 400, spent 23 laps behind polesitter Mark Martin, then reclaimed the lead and has now passed the double-century mark in his 21st start at the Monster Mile. Already a five-time Dover winner, Johnson is off to another terrific start through 50 laps.
Martin still holds second place, while Matt Kenseth, Clint Bowyer, and Kyle Busch round out the top-five. Jeff Gordon, after starting 14th, holds the sixth position, followed by Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin, and Carl Edwards.
Point leader Greg Biffle has backslid to the 14th position and would currently relinquish the top of the standings to Kenseth, his Roush-Fenway Racing teammate.
Of the 13 drivers involved in the lap 9 crash, only Travis Kvapil has returned to the race. Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart remains in the garage in 38th position.