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DOVER, Del. -- This could be the first time in NASCAR Cup Series history that North Carolina driver fails to win at least one race. North Carolina natives like Lee Petty, Richard Petty, Benny Parsons, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jarrett and Dale Earnhardt Jr. all won in a streak that dates to 1949.

Junior, Jarrett, Brian Vickers, Kyle Petty, David Ragan and Scott Riggs are the only hope to keep the streak going over the final nine races.

HAPPY FAMILY: Clint Bowyer celebrated. Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick stewed.

In NASCAR, the concept of teammates doesn't quite fit the same way as it does in baseball or football. Sure, Bowyer, Burton and Harvick all run under the Richard Childress Racing banner, but when one driver ends up in Victory Lane.

Burton said he would have no problem with a 1-2-3 finish among the RCR crew and hopes they can have close, competitive races down the stretch, starting Sunday at Dover International Speedway.

"I know there's a lot of concern about teams continuing to work together as they're competing truly in the playoffs, competing for the championship," he said. "But we don't have that concern internally."

END OF AN ERA: Kyle Busch should have the kind of ending with Hendrick Motorsports his brother Kurt never got with Roush Racing.

Kurt Busch had his 2005 season cut short by suspension. He never got to savor one last race with his crew before he moved on to Penske Racing. With Kyle Busch's time with Hendrick dwindling before he goes to Joe Gibbs Racing, he's taking the time to appreciate all he's learned and experienced with the powerhouse team.

"It's been a learning experience," Kyle Busch said. "I'm still building on trying to make sure we finish out this year strong and that we're able to compete for the championship."